Professional Documents
Culture Documents
00
Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
Become A Michigan...
Shroomer
Tom
Time
Get in the
White Bass
Just For The Fun of it!
Gobbler
Zone!
Dynamite Bluegills Spinning a Web for Spring Walleyes
Creating Combo Food Plots for Archery and Firearm Seasons
Experience Michigan's Trails Now They're NOT Seagulls
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook Follow us on
VISIT WITH
SALES EVENT
HERE
MAY 4TH
THURSDAY &
MAY 5TH
MAY 4 - 14 FRIDAY!
SALE PRICES ON MOST NEW IN-STOCK MODELS!
M&P SHIELD
45 45 ACP
MODEL 642 38
SPL. + P FREE M&P 15
SPORT II
1-7/8" Bbl.
Reg. $469.99
HAT
W/PURCHASE
5.56MM
Sale OF ANY NEW
399
$ 99
SMI163810
S&W FIREARM
While supplies last
299
Reg. $379.99
$ 99 Sale Sale $
SMI163810
$
374
SMI10208
99 $
329 99
SMI108390 SMI10202
ARUBA 10'
SIT-IN
BALI 10' SS
SIT-ON Co mi ng SIG SAUER WEEK
Reg. $239.99
Sale
Reg. $299.99
Sale U p... FRIDAY, MAYSIG
19 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 28
SAUER REP
$
199 99 $
259 99
P238
SCHEDULED HERE
SATURDAY,
JOURNEY EXCURSION 12' MAY 20TH
10' SS SIT-ON SIT-IN 380 ACP P938
FISHING FISHING NITRON 9MM
KAYAK KAYAK TFO Various models
Reg. $449.99 Reg. $344.99
available
Sale Sale
$
399 99 $
299 99 RM400-16B EC .223
REM ENHANCED
CARBINE
All Kayaks Include Paddle
PEDAL BOATS
SUN SLIDER 5-SEAT 2208 W. M-43 Hwy.,
W/CANOPY W/CANOPY Hastings, MI
2 Miles West of
Reg. $459.99 Reg. $499.99
Hastings On M-37 & M-43
Sale Sale
$
419 99 $
44999 269/945-4106
STOP IN OR SHOP ONLINE AT BOBSGT.COM
Limited quantity available on all items. Not responsible for printing errors. All items subject to
STORE HOURS Mon. - Sat. 9am - 7pm Sun. 10am - 5pm prior sale. *Discounts off regular everyday selling prices. No layaways at these prices.
BOAT SHOW PRICING STILL IN EFFECT
Get Them While They Last!
Field Notes...
W
oods-N-Water News writer, e-Store or for more information, contact park inter-
walleye pro and Hall of Famer preter Valerie Blaschka at 989-667-0717 or blasch-
Mark Martin will be the keynote kav@michigan.gov.
speaker at the DNRs Outdoor Newaygo County Steer Tests Positive
Skills Academy in-depth, two- for TB; DNR now Must Test Deer
day clinic on fishing Saginaw In mid-March, the Michigan Department of
Bay walleyes. Joining Mark will be Captain Bran- Agriculture and Rural Development announced
don Stanton of Team the finding of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a sample
Gunsmoke Sportfishing taken from a 2-year-old steer from Newaygo County. Last months (April) Big Buck story on page 74 was
by Jesse Blake (not Jeff).
and Guide Service. The The animal was identified as possibly diseased and
clinic takes place May removed from the human food chain by the U.S. wildlife veterinarian.
9 and 10, at the Sagi- Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can be
naw Bay Visitor Center Service. spread between wildlife populations and other mam-
in Bay City. According to the a DNR press release, In ac- mals, including humans. In Michigan, TB is primar-
The two-day clinic cordance with the Michigan Department of Natural ily found in the northeast Lower Peninsula, where
begins with a tips and Resources and MDARD joint bovine TB response MDARD conducts surveillance in cattle herds. Using
techniques session plan, the DNR is responsible for testing a minimum whole genome sequencing, it was determined that
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. of 30 free-ranging deer within a 3-mile radius of the the infected animal from Newaygo County was most
Instructors Martin and affected facility. likely exposed to other cattle from northeastern Low-
Stanton will cover Annually, the DNR tests thousands of white- er Peninsula. The disease has never been detected in
the equipment and tailed deer for bovine TB statewide. Due to this new deer in Newaygo County.
skills needed to catch steer finding, hunters within the 3-mile radius of this In the northeastern Lower Peninsula, deer man-
Saginaw Bay walleye. facility will be asked to voluntarily submit their deer agement units 452 and 487 have been established to
The class will take the heads for TB testing. This increased surveillance help manage the prevalence of bovine TB in white-
novice angler through effort is planned to ensure the disease has not spilled tailed deer in this area where, historically, cattle
rod and reel selection, Walleye pro and exper t Mark over into the deer population. herds have been found to be infected.
rigging and presenta- Mar tin to give walleye clinic. We appreciate all that hunters do to help us fight This response is standard protocol for the DNR
tion techniques, and wildlife disease across Michigan. This surveillance when cattle are found positive for TB outside Deer
natural history tips is a routine part of our states TB response. It is criti- Management Unit 487, which does happen from
about walleye in Saginaw Bay. cal that hunters understand there is no link between time to time. Bovine TB was last detected in October
According to the DNR, On the second day of CWD and TB, commented Dr. Kelly Straka, DNR 2016 from a cattle facility in Huron County.n
the clinic, running 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants
will have an opportunity to experience hands-on,
one-on-one time with Martins pro-staff as they
board pro boats and fish Saginaw Bay. Cost for the
clinic is $165, which includes lunch both days and
Volunteers needed to help guard Michigans sturgeon
pro boat trips. Participants are encouraged to bring The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for hiking, kayaking, canoeing and camping in beautiful
the fishing gear they already have. Tomorrow in Cheboygan County is seeking volunteers wild areas to partner with the sturgeon guarding effort,
Registration is limited to 28 participants. Sign up to join in its effort, in partnership with the Michigan where the diversity of the experience on the Black
for the Saginaw Bay Walleye Clinic in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement River offers a wonderful experience.
and Fisheries Divisions, to help protect lake sturgeon Many opportunities over the approximately six-
SEASONS
from illegal harvest during the annual spawning run. week-long spawning season are available for those
Every spring, mature lake sturgeon, a fish species who wish to help. Coordinators will be on-site at the
that is threatened in Michigan and rare throughout the river to assist and answer questions. In addition to
United States, become vulnerable to poaching as they guarding the sturgeon, volunteers can also play a key
Open All Year Pike and walleye season on Lower
Peninsula Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & briefly leave Black Lake for spawning sites upstream role by recording the number and activity of fish they
Detroit Rivers in the Black River. see. This has become a popular
Open All Year Salmon and trout season on Great Hundreds of volunteers are needed to stand guard activity for families, scouting
Lakes, St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & along the Black River during the spawning season, and church groups, as well as
Detroit Rivers from mid-April through early June, to report any sus- students interested in natural
Open All Year Catch-and-immediate-release bass sea- picious activity and deter the unlawful take of this resource management. Often
son on all Michigan waters open to fishing iconic fish. artists participate as well, espe-
Now-Dec. 31 Pure Michigan Hunt Application For over 17 years, the annual Sturgeon Guarding cially photographers.
April 17-May 31 Spring turkey hunting, special regu- Program has proven that people serving as sturgeon Individuals or groups inter-
lations and hunt dates check digest for more information guards watching over the river have virtually eliminat- ested in volunteering should
April 29-March 15 pike, walleye, muskie seasons on ed poaching, while helping to ensure the protection contact Mark and Ann
Lower Peninsula inland waters and reproductive success of the species, said Ann Feldhauser at 906-201-2484, or 906-346-9511.
April 29-Sept. 30 Trout and salmon on inland Type 1 Feldhauser, a DNR retiree and the guarding programs Volunteers can also register online at www.stur-
and 2 streams and Type A & D lakes volunteer coordinator. Its a unique and rewarding geonfortomorrow.org/guarding-program.php or web
May 1-June 1 Application period for elk and bear experience to witness these majestic fish, which can search Sturgeon for Tomorrow, Black Lake Chapter.
licenses
live up to 100 years and weigh over 200 pounds, For those traveling from outside the local area,
May 15-March 15 pike, walleye, muskie seasons on
Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters and St swimming up the Black River and to be a key player hotels, restaurants and Onaway State Park (located on
Marys River in safeguarding one of Michigans most valuable natu- Black Lake) which has improved camping and cabin
May 27-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on all ral resources. rentals, are close to the guarding locations.
waters except; Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit When spawning begins, sturgeon guards are Volunteers are also encouraged to set up their rus-
Rivers assigned in shifts to sites along the river. The volun- tic camps along the banks of the Black River. There is
June 3-Dec. 15 Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, St. teers stand watch and, if suspicious activity occurs, no charge for camping on the state land adjacent to the
Clair and Detroit Rivers use cellular phones provided by Sturgeon for Black River.
June 17-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on Lake Tomorrow to contact DNR Conservation Officers who Lake sturgeon rehabilitation in the Cheboygan
St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit Rivers are actively patrolling the area in support of the guard- River watershed is a cooperative effort involving the
ing effort. Aerial surveillance is also deployed to help Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, the
MJC MJC secure the area. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan
ARCHERY
MACOMB
ARCHERY
OAKLAND
The experience of watching researchers capture, State University and Tower-Kleber Limited
tag and release these amazing fish is, in itself, worth Partnership.
the effort of becoming involved, said Brenda In addition to the guarding program, this effort
19744 15 Mile Rd 3001 Rochester Rd
Archambo, coordinator of the Sturgeon Recovery includes activities such as tagging sturgeon adults and
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073 effort in the Black River watershed. We also encour- raising young fish for stocking in the Black, Burt and
586-791-4600 248-589-2480 age those who enjoy mountain biking, mushrooming, Mullet Lakes, all in Cheboygan County.
4 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 5
Morel Hunting Part IV...COs on deer patrol
FISHING Joe Lunkas page 52 Jeff Pendergraff page 78
Drop shot smallies Dear Fish Diary:
Life slows down Kenny Darwin page 8
White bass just for the fun of it
Eye glasses caught...
and returned? What?
Ron St. Germain page 63
PERSPECTIVE
on a trout stream Mark Romanack page 14
Sporting Collectibles...
Ill call a turkey for ya!
Darryl Quidort page 24
The Next Bite... Even more sport show specials The fisherman and the wolf
Transitioning Tactics Terry McBurney page 76 Sharon Kennedy page 34
Gary Parsons/Keith Kavajecz
page 16
Big Water Kayaking
Brian Miller page 18
Spinning a web
for spring walleyes
Mark Romanack page 26
Todays yak anglers
have options
Tom Carney...page 20 Roger Beukema page 30
Take your kids/grandkids
HUNTING fishing and dont
30 training thoughts
Len Jenkins page 75 Letters/Op-Ed . . 66-68 Real Estate . . . . 83-89
Become A Michigan...
o
$ 4 .0 0
OUTDOOR STALKING
S P R IN G
B R OW N S
A Bold Tactic...
PUBLICATION GOBBLERS
publication
t
U.P. BROOK
The Great Lakes 'Su
T RO U T S T R E A M S
pe
Planting Round Up r Slam' West Michigan's Steelhead
Lake Erie's Trophy Ready Sugar Beets
Walleyes...Michigan Combat Jigging
Style Ostrich Resc
ue
810.724.0254
www.woods-n-w aternews.com
Like us on faceb
ook Follow us on
New Subscription Renewal
(Please attach mailing label)
W
e were fishing Lake are common on Lake St. Clair, De-
St. Clair four or five troit River, Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay,
miles from shore Grand Traverse Bays and all along
when all of a sudden the west Michigan coast. More
I felt a solid strike importantly, anglers have hit on a
as the bass shark new fishing technique that big bass
attacked my plastic. I jerked the simply cannot resist.
rod high overhead and the hook set Perhaps the most productive
brought the lunker blasting out of technique ever developed for catch-
the water like a Polaris missile gone ing bass is drop shotting using a
amok. For an instant the huge tiger weight placed below a jiggling, wig-
striped monster bass was suspended gling, twisting, tantalizing plastic
in the sunlight, surrounded by a suspended above bottom. The fish-
halo of water droplets. But when it ing technique is simple, you cast,
crashed back into the emerald green allow the weight to touch bottom
water it made a headlong sprint for and you hold your rod at a 10-12
bottom, and like a rookie I muscled oclock high position and you twitch
back on the rod and the leader the rod tip. This causes the plastic
snapped. For an instant I had that to come alive, go ballistic and swim
sickening stomach feeling and could like a minnow on steroids. With
not believe what happened, but the drop shotting, a single hook is tied
leader came back with no hook, no 12-20 inches above the weight and a
plastic, and thats when my fish- plastic is attached to the single hook.
ing buddy said, You should have When you give the rod a wiggle, it
given that hawg an opportunity to causes the plastic to shimmy, jiggle,
strip line off the drag. That was a 7 twitch and mimic baitfish in dis-
pounder! tress. Smallies can see the dancing
His words of advice still ring plastic at long distances because Author, Kenny Darwin, with large Detroit River smallie taken in 30 ft.
in my ears. Fact is, Michigans it is suspended off bottom. They of water using drop shot tricks in early spring. When bass congre-
smallmouth bass populations are investigate, get kissin close then gate in deep water, he uses electronics to locate schools and a bow
booming and five pound-plus fish flare gills, vent water at lightning mounted powerful electric trolling motor to stay on fish.
speed through their mouth and out This tactic is best used with
gills and suck in the presentation. relatively light fishing line, 6-10 lb.
The strike comes as a solid thud, test for long casts and sensitive fish-
although sometimes it is difficult to ing. Spinning rods that are 6 to 8
detect and feels like added weight ft. long with sensitive tips will help
on the hook. Thats when you set for long distance casting and to feel
the hook and the fun begins. the strike. With this style of fishing,
Michigans smallmouth popula- you hold your rod tip high, say 10-
tions are booming and solid num- 12 oclock and constantly keep the
bers can be found in just about all plastic wiggling by jiggling the rod
major rivers, and lakes. But if you tip. This makes the hook dance and
are looking for monster fish that tip the electric action causes the plastic
the scales over six pounds my top to come alive. Most savvy bassin
picks are Lake Erie, Detroit River, boys use a size #2 VMC or Mustad
Lake St. Clair, Charity Islands on drop shot hook with turned out eye.
Saginaw Bay, Grand Traverse Bays Heres how you rig it.
and Pentwater Lake and channel. Experienced anglers use 6-8 lb.
Drop shotting is a deadly fluorocarbon clear mono leader and
method from ice out until ice up. It they snip off a 3 ft. piece and at-
is a hot tactic you can use in deep tach the hook in the center using an
or shallow water, around drop offs, overhand knot and passing the hook
banks, rock piles, sunken trees, through the loop so it faces up when
Michigan anglers need to be aware it is illegal to use drop shot weeds and just about any structure
fishing tactics on rivers, streams or drowned river mouth lakes. where smallies congregate. Drop shot smallies page 10
8 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
SAVINGS YOU CAN CARRY
AVAILABLE IN-STORE & ONLINE THROUGH MAY 7
TOTAL SAVINGS
$ 75
OFF REG. PRICE
+ $ 75
MAIL-IN REBATE
= $ 150
STARTING AT $299.99 AFTER TOTAL SAVINGS
$ 50 $ 100
MAIL-IN MAIL-IN
REBATE REBATE
SMITH & WESSON SMITH & WESSON CRIMSON TRACE LASER CRIMSON TRACE LINQ
BODYGUARD .380 PISTOL SDVE PISTOLS SIGHTS* AND TACTICAL LIGHTS PRODUCTS*
REG. $349.99 - $499.99 REG. $379.99 *SEE REBATE FOR DETAILS - THROUGH 4/30 *SEE REBATE FOR DETAILS - THROUGH 4/30
RUGER AR-556
.223 / 5.56mm NATO
SW22 VICTORY M&P SHIELD
.22 LR Target Pistol 9mm, .40 S&W,
&.45 AUTO
$
36995 to $38995 Many models to choose from!
RUGER 10/22
339 519
Many models to
$ 95 $ 95 choose from! AUTOLOADING RIFLES
to
Vortex Crossfire II
$
40995
Riflescope
Gun
Model 1894 Only
M&P15 SPORT II44 Rem. Magnum /
.223 / 5.56mm NATO 44 $
52995
S&W Special,
10-shot tubular mag, RUGER AMERICAN Moss Green Gun &
20" Barrel, 37.5" OAL. RIFLE PREDATOR Synthetic Stock Scope
GOBBLER ZONE
S
pring is a busy time for for the table. The process of prepar-
those who enjoy getting ing a noteworthy meal of white bass
a tug on the end of their starts the instant they are caught.
fishing line. The month Crowding white bass into a livewell
of May in Michigan is usually leads to lots of fish dying
prime time for target- and spending hours soaking in the
ing a wealth of popular fish species warm water, slime and grunge of a
including stream trout, salmon, livewell.
walleye, crappie, bluegills, bass, Instead of using the livewell,
perch and pike. its best to put white bass in
White bass will hit a wide variety of lures and baits, but in-line spinners
Its always puzzled me a cooler full of crushed ice. like this Rooster Tail are one of the best search lures. Casting a 1/4
why some species of fish The faster a white bass is ounce size spinner allows anglers to cover lots of water and when white
become popular with the chilled down, the better the bass are around, land tons of fish. Mark Romanack photo
masses and others seeming- fillets will taste.
ly not so much. My vote for The best way to clean tion spinning tackle. White bass are River, but the fastest action is usu-
the most overlooked and white bass is another issue stubborn fighters and often weigh in ally associated with seawalls where
underappreciated species of most anglers dont fully at two pounds or more! Like other these fish routinely corral schools
fish in Michigan goes to the understand. The lateral line species of fish, the males are a little of emerald shiners and gizzard shad
white bass, or what a lot of is a sensory organ and ex- smaller and typically more aggres- near the surface.
anglers refer to ceptionally well sive than the females. Watch for seagulls and terns
as silver bass.
White bass
By Mark Romanack developed in
white bass. The
Throughout most of May, a good along the river bank. The presence
mixed bag of both male and female of these birds is a dead giveaway
are members of the temperate bass lateral line is an oily and dark layer fish can be expected. As May winds that schools of white bass are in the
family and closely related to white of meat located just under the skin down towards June, many of the neighborhood.
perch and also striped bass. These and along the center line of the fillet. larger female fish have spawned and White bass are also routinely
fish travel in huge schools and are If white bass is cooked with returned to the Great Lakes. Left found concentrated near warm water
notorious for their voracious ap- the lateral line in place, the flavor behind are the smaller male fish that discharge sites. The Edison power
petite and willingness to slash and can be rather strong. Removing the linger in the river for weeks after the plant just upstream of Erie Metro
strike at a wide variety of live baits lateral line with a sharp fillet knife spawn. Park is a popular place to find white
and artificial lures. bass in early May. Near the steel
White bass are common in a
and cooking just the firm white meat
produces a much better tasting fillet.
Best Lures mills 80 inch discharge tube located
One of the nice things about just upstream of Wyandotte is also a
number of fisheries across Michi- Many anglers only save the thicker white bass is they will strike a
gan, but the annual spawning run back-strap portion of the fillet good place to find concentrations of
wide variety of lures, including jigs white bass.
these fish make into the Detroit and discard the middle and lower dressed with soft plastics, small
River is something every avid angler
should experience. Nowhere else
portion of the fillet along with the
lateral line.
crankbaits, casting spoons and also A Fish Made for Kids
in-line spinners. The flashing blade Fishermen of all ages enjoy
in the Great Lakes can anglers find White bass are also best when and vibration of a spinner is tough catching white bass, but this is one
more white bass than in the Detroit cooked and eaten fresh. Like to beat for white bass. species that is particularly ideal
River during the month of May. whitefish, crappie and many species A slow, steady retrieve is usually for introducing kids to fishing. The
In fact, white bass are so abun- of stream trout, white bass do not the best approach for generating white bass run on the Detroit River
dant at this time of year a lot of freeze and store well. If white bass bone jarring strikes from white bass, coincides with some beautiful spring
anglers who are targeting other spe- are to be frozen, its best to freeze cast after cast. weather.
cies consider them a nuisance rather the fillets in water to help lock in Avid fishermen who are look-
than a sport fishing resource! Its freshness and ward off freezer burn. Handle with Care ing for ways to get kids hooked
true that white bass get in the way of The fillets should be eaten within a To make handling fish easier, its on fishing will find that white bass
catching other species, but its also month or two. a good idea to pinch down the hook are the perfect species. Load up
true that white bass are fun to catch, barb. White bass have very sharp the boat with lots of kids, plenty of
good on the table and catching a
fish on every cast is an experience
Light Tackle Please dorsal and anal spines and the edges snacks, some cold drinks and make
White bass get a bad rap from of the gill plate are razor sharp. a day of it! The white bass may not
lots of anglers look forward to every many anglers because they are often Wearing a work glove or one of be Michigans most popular fish
spring! caught by accident while targeting the gloves designed for fish clean- species, but try telling that to a kid
another species. Its true that reeling ing when handling white bass helps whos landing one after another
Table Fare in a white bass on a trolling outfit keep nicks and cuts to a minimum. after another. Sometimes fishing
I think one of the reasons why designed for much larger fish like should be just for the fun of it and
white bass are not more popular walleye leaves a little to be desired. Fishing Hot Spots no other species can match the white
is that the average angler doesnt The best way to appreciate white White bass can literally be found bass when it comes to pure angling
understand how to prepare this fish bass is to target them using light ac- almost anywhere on the Detroit pleasure.n
14 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Ruger has finally realized the popularity of the .450 Bushmaster after Randys
Hunting Center has sold over 6,000 in the last 5 months! Ruger has started a mass
production line for the blued ranch rifle 16 .450 Bushmaster priced at
$399.95
This rifle is available first at Randys Hunting Center along with the
NEW Gunsite Scout Rifle in .450 Bushmaster with a Walnut stock for $879.95!
Also get in line for the new Ruger No. 1 Stainless/Laminate .450 Bushmaster!
Also Offering: Leupold Rifle Scopes with Custom Dial System (CDS) for this rifle!
Prices starting at $319.95 for a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Upgraded Models with More Magnification Also Available
Sight in Your Rifle, Change Your Turret, Click Adjustments to your Desired Yardage
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
RANDY'S HUNTING CENTER
(989) 269-GUNS www.randyshuntingcenter.com
721 E Huron Avenue Bad Axe, Michigan
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 15
The Next Bite...
Transitioning
TACTICS
By Gary Parsons and Keith Kavajecz
E
very year, walleye fisher- gressive with action tails such as
men across the country the Berkley PowerBait 3 and 3.5
go through a very visible Ripple Shads, Pro Series Jig Worm,
transition. In early spring and Rib Worm. These tails often
it can be pretty hard to draw fish to them because of the
recognize your buddy vibration they put out.
fishing right next to you. Chances The Ripple Shad has a rippled A #7 Flicker Minnow is bound to get you some gold.
are he will be bundled from head to minnow-shaped body that gives it tant when fishing in clear water. to an arms length long to the bottom
toe in a parka, bibs, hat and gloves. a swimming action. The paddle-tail To turn it up another notch as bouncer. Then tie the other end to a
A few weeks later, he may appear puts out a lot of vibration as the lure summer nears, you can test the lim- #2 Mustad Slow Death Hook (Mod-
about 20 pounds lighter, as he will is retrieved. We often use this lure its by using blade baits or working el 33863NP) baited with either a
now be fishing with bare hands and like we would a mini-crankbait or Moonshine Shiver Minnows. The half a live crawler or a Gulp! Killer
wearing a sweatshirt. Before long small swimbait, but with a jigging darting action of the Shiver Minnow Crawler just make sure the worm
he will be trading in his stocking hat action rather than a steady retrieve. draws the attention of the fish. We is spinning and youll catch fish.
for a ball cap, enjoying a sunny day When you are using this lure, have written a lot about Shiver- Later in the spring, transition to
on the water in a t-shirt. you want to make sure that the ing recently, but remember the a Super Death Hook and a 3 Gulp!
During this same time frame, the paddle tail vibrates vigorously key is to give the rod a pretty good Fry or 4 Gulp! Crawler or even a
walleyes are continuously changing on the up-swing and flutters as it stroke to get the bait to jump to the full real night crawler.
their habits. The water is warming drops back down. Use a heavier jig side, but then immediately give it The Killer Crawler and half
up, bait is getting bigger, and the than you would normally use for slack line so the Shiver Minnow can crawler have a tight corkscrew ac-
metabolism of fish is increasing. live bait, by going to a quarter or glide back to it starting position. For tion and the Fry has a wider action.
The walleye also go from holding in 3/8-ounce range. This will help you blades like the Johnson Thin Fisher, The Gulp! Crawler has a unique
tight places to spreading out over a get the action you need to work the be sure to stroke the bait off the bot- lazy roll, which when using the
large area. To stay on the bite, you tail the way you want to. We also tom and feel the tell-tale vibration Pumpkinseed color it imitates a
need to change along with them. work these tails quicker than we do as it sweeps up, then let it swim on crawler, while Watermelon Pearl
Lets take a look at some different Gulp! baits and pop them off the a semi-tight line to the bottom so it imitates baitfish. Spinning a full
presentations and how you need to bottom instead of lifting. looks like a dying bait fish. Both are crawler can be especially good on
tweak each of them as the walleyes The Pro Jig Worm doesnt have aggressive both trigger fish to bite! bigger fish.
transition throughout spring and into a lot of vibration in the tail, but it is
summer. very limber and has a flattened bot- Working Structure: Cranking:
tom on the tail that gives it a really We love getting on a bite where Super slow is the way to go
Jigging: good flipping action. As you jig, the fish are relating to structure. Jig when it comes to pulling cranks
In early spring, you will want to the tail flips up and down, displac- trolling is a great way to catch the early in the spring. You will want to
start out jigging by using live bait ing water, which the fish can sense. fish early on and cover small areas start out at about 1mph, and by early
or Berkley Gulp!, which is the best You can fish it vertically or pitch it with finesse. summer be up to 2mph. To achieve
imitator of live bait you can find. out, let it settle to bottom, and then We begin by moving along the the slower speeds, you may have to
Since Gulp! is a very soft bait, it lift and hold while it swims back to structure with our MotorGuide Xi5 use your MotorGuide Xi5 trolling
has really good action. Plus, in cold you, then let it fall back to bottom bow mount trolling motor at to motor before going to your kicker
water, the scent it gives off really again. mph. You dont want to let out motor.
attracts the walleyes. The PowerBait Rib Worm has too much line, as you need to have From spring into summer you
Gulp! is made with water-based a curly tail that gives it a subtle a handle on what the jig is doing at will generally move from smaller
resins. This allows for excellent vibration, moves with the slightest all times. Keep the jig at a 45-degree baits to larger baits. The term
scent distribution, unlike baits cre- rod movement and undulates in the angle to the rod tip for maximum small can mean different things in
ated from oil-based resins, where current. While this bait was made sensitivity in the presentation. By different places. On a natural lake,
the oil literally traps the scent inside for river use, it is a great alternative using a basic lift-pause-drop ac- or bodies of water with 2-4 lb. fish,
the bait. While some of the scent when casting anywhere. tion, you will be able to keep the jig a small bait to start with might be
does get out, the oil is actually We like to use the Bass Pro in the strike zone, while also being a #4 Berkley Flicker Shad or a #5
functioning as a barrier. Gulp! on Shops XPS Walleye Angler semi- able feel bottom as you slowly move Berkley Flicker Minnow. On the
the other hand, disperses the water- standup jig heads when jigging. along the break. Use a 3/8-ounce Great Lakes, a small bait might be a
soluble scent as soon as it hits the Not only does this jig reduce your Bass Pro Shops Walleye Angler #7 Flicker Shad or a #9 Flicker Min-
water because there is no oil barrier chance of getting snagged, but it XPS semi-standup jig tipped with a now. Larger baits on a small lake
keeping the water out. also puts the hook in the right posi- Gulp! or PowerBait tail. would be a #6 or #7 Flicker Shad,
This allows the bait to disperse tion for walleyes that grab it off the As the water warms up, you while on the larger bodies of water
scent almost like a blood trail, ex- bottom. will want to pick up the pace and it would be a #9 Flicker Shad or #11
panding the strike zone by attracting For rods, we like to use a 6 me- cover more water by trolling with a Flicker Minnow.
fish that do not see the bait. Thats dium-light Bass Pro Shops Walleye bottom bouncer. We like to use a 7 It is important to remember no
why it is important to fish Gulp! bait Angler (Model WL60MLJS). This bottom bouncer rod with a soft tip, matter if you are jigging, working
slowly and allow the bait to do what is important, because if we are using such as the Bass Pro Shops Wall- structure or cranking, that you have
it is intended to do: disperse scent. a no-stretch line, such as 8-pound eye Angler baitcasting rod (Model to constantly change your presenta-
Some of the baits you will want to Berkley NanoFil, we will want the WL70BBT). The typical range for tion as the seasons and conditions
try are a 3 Gulp! Minnow, 4 Gulp! rod to be able to handle the shock bottom bouncers is 1-2 ounces, change. The best time to experi-
Crawler, or a 3 Gulp! Fry. absorption. We tie a 10-pound Berk- with 1.5 ounces being the standard ment is when the fish are biting, and
When the water starts to warm ley 100 percent Fluorocarbon leader choice. Tie a Berkley 100 percent if you push the envelope, you are
up, you will want to get more ag- to the jig. This is especially impor- fluorocarbon snell about that is up bound to get your Next Bite!n
16 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 17
Big Water Kayaking
Kayak fishing is one of the There are a variety of kayaks
hottest trends in outdoor but when heading to the big water Can you imagine the
sports right now. But why Roberts says, Sit on tops are a thrill of landing a
necessity because they have scupper monster walleye, like
is it such a hot trend lately? holes going throughout the kayak.
Its all about freedom! This this, from a kayak?
Meaning any water that comes
is the freedom to go over the edge of your kayak will
anywhere and do anything just drain into those holes and right
with no limits. More back into the lake. Therefore if
fishermen are starting to you take a wave over any part of the
explore this option of fishing kayak it just drains back out of those
than ever before... holes back into the lake. You could
literally dump gallons of water into
By Brian Miller a kayak and it would do nothing
E
because it will just drain right out.
On the contrary a sit in kayak that
ven more challenging took on one good size wave over the
than kayak fishing is edge begins to fill up your kayak.
yet another twist Big This forces the kayak to sit further tip over very easily. These new sit ing for winds that are blowing less
Water Kayaking. Alex down in the water making it easier on top styles are engineered to have than 5 mph. With this subtle of a
Roberts is one of those for another wave to come over the incredible stability. wind it can be blowing in any direc-
guys pushing the bound- edge until it ultimately sinks. tion. Typically south or southwest
aries of kayaking by challenging the Gearing Up wind at 10 mph or less is the most
Most high quality sit on top kay- Roberts remembers his first
big water of Lake Erie. Each spring aks today are virtually unsinkable. ideal conditions. On Lake Erie,
he hits Lake Erie during the spring trip out on the big water when he
Roberts has attempted to rock his hooked into his first ever kayak north winds cause rough conditions
walleye spawning season to catch kayak and says, It very hard to tip in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. It
fish nearly a mile offshore. When walleye. This is the day that got him
it over. Also, we have never fallen hooked on big water kayaking. After gets a lot rougher even in low wind
I first heard about this trend my out during a Lake Erie trip. conditions. The wind has the whole
reaction was, That is just insanely connecting with a walleye then suc-
An important feature is to make cessfully reeling it in, he realized lake to blow across and build. How-
crazy! However, my skepticism sure to have rails the run along most ever, with north winds its blowing
quickly turned into curiosity. I was this walleye wouldnt fit into his
the kayak. These rails allow a fisher- tiny net. He caught a giant 30.5 inch you back where you came from and
intrigued to understand how these man to mount accessories all along back into the shore.
guys are pulling it off. walleye. Therefore he grabbed the
the kayak. You name it, they make walleye behind the gill plate then A south wind is actually pushing
There is no doubt these guys are an accessory for it; rod holders, fish you out towards open water. How-
kayaking and fishing experts. They luckily pulled into onto the kayak.
finder, and camera mounts. Then Since then, without exception, ever, the winds have to be higher to
combined those two skills together when youre not using this accesso- cause larger waves. This is because
to catch bragging sized walleye on he carries a large net with a long
ry its easy to slide it out of the way. handle. it does not have time for the waves
Lake Erie during the spring. Its a go Pedal kayaks make things way to continue to build. When on the
anywhere and do anything attitude Walleye gear on a kayak is very
easier while fishing. They allow for much similar to a boat. The differ- water, if conditions change, fog rolls
that is what get kayak fisherman to hands free while trolling for wall- in or anything else, it is time to call
venture out on the big water. Lets ence is a kayak has limited space
eye. Roberts said, With a pedal so keep your accessories limited it a day. There is far more caution
take a deep dive into their brains on kayak I can troll and at the same needed when on a kayak.
how they are pulling off the impos- to your compartments. Most often
time I can get on my phone, check kayakers keep the fish either on
sible. the radar, pick up a pole to change a stringer to clip off the side of a
Dress for Success
Kayak Geeks a lure, and put the line back out. kayak or a cooler strapped on top.
Hitting the big water in the
spring is not for the light hearted.
Kayaks have come a long way in Without a pedal drive this would re- With the legal limit being 15 inches,
the last two decades. Most fisher- quire Roberts to stop paddling, reel The water temperatures are only
a measuring board in a necessity.
men are using the sit on top kayaks in both rods and reset everything. 40-50 degrees in the spring which
Although he has never fallen out
that are outfitted fishing machines. Stability is imperative! Although means the water is frigid cold. When
or knows anyone that has fallen out
These kayaks have comfortable Roberts never stands while on Lake youre a mile from any land it can
of a kayak in Lake Erie, he takes
seats, storage hatches, peddle drive, Erie, he does stand up while bass become dangerous very quickly. Fall
precautions. Spare clothes put in a
side rails and more. They remind me fishing and is never worried about in the water and your body tem-
compartment are important in case
of a mini fishing boat with all the flipping. Many people think about perature will begin to cool quickly.
the worst happens. Also a paddle, a
accessories. kayaks as the older sit in that will It will not take long before you will
whistle or signaling device, a flag,
be shaking from both the cold water
two poles and fishing gear are all
temperatures and stress. If you dont
More fishermen are star ting to necessities.
get to safety or back on your kayak,
explore this option of kayak Wind and Weather your time to exhaustion or uncon-
fishing than ever before. The weather and water condi- sciousness is only 30 minutes.
tions have to be perfect when hitting So how do these guys prepare
the big water on a kayak. There is for the possible dangers that come
no room for error or carelessness. with big water kayaking? Roberts
Roberts has loaded up his gear and says many wear dry suits to prevent
driven 60 miles to determine the any problems. If you fall in that
lake didnt look right. Instead of water then the water wont be touch-
chancing it he turned around and ing your skin. These suits help retain
went home. your body temperature.
What do the right conditions If you cant afford a dry suit
look like? Usually Roberts is look- then wear as little cotton as possible.
18 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
If you fall in with cotton clothing duces better than casting most of the
you are going be so much heavier time. The technique is to have two
when youre trying to get back on poles, one out to left and one out to
the kayak. The way to go is a dry the right. Using counter reels allows
suit, anything else and youre taking them to set the rods at the specific
more of a risk than necessary. There depth we want and slowly peddle.
is no shortage of safety on the big As youre trolling along, watch for
water. Without any exceptions, kay- the tell-tale bend in the rod. That
akers must always wear a life jacket. is when the fun begins. Reeling in
Kayaks are low profile boats. a giant walleye on a kayak is the
When you add a small amount of ultimate challenge.
chop on the water, it would be hard Trolling is very different from a
to see them on the water. Its impor- boat vs. a kayak. In a boat its easy
There is no doubt these guys are kayaking and fishing exper ts.
tant to make sure to always have a to control the speed. In a kayak They combined those two skills together to catch bragging sized
flag on the kayak so boats can see everything falls onto your ability. walleye on Lake Erie during the spring.
you in the water. For extra precau- Roberts loves doing his homework
to select the location, depth of baits, Roberts swaps them out for spinning lures are excellent. Vibes provides
tion, a wear whistle around your
what lure to use, and fishing tech- gear. Dont let anyone fool you, they extra vibrations which allows the
neck and have an extra horn in case
nique. Gaining that fishing knowl- always stay sitting down. While walleye an opportunity to find that
you need to signal for help. His fish-
ing partner also has a radio he can edge is his biggest take-away. cold water fishing on Lake Erie you bait.
never have to make a cast. Most
call the Coast Guard or other boats
with in case they get into a problem.
His ideal setup is two trolling
rods with line counters to know often its either vertical jigging or Conclusion
trolling so there is no need to stand. There is nothing better than tak-
Kayak Trolling exactly how deep his baits are in
the water. They do well by trolling If its the summer and the water ing on a new challenge. Kayak fish-
You may not think about troll- is warm then standing is a good ing is one of those sports that gives
big crankbaits. Roberts trolling
ing in Lake Erie out of a kayak, but option. This is not the case while you independence and freedom.
lure preference is Bandits, Rapala
that is a deadly technique. Roberts
Husky Jerks, and Smithwick Perfect spring walleye fishing. Roberts jok- Even when fishing with a couple
says, One of our Lake Erie spots
10s. All of them can be found in his ingly says, The only time youll see friends, everyone can fish at their
we mainly just troll. They have us standing in our kayaks is right own speed and location. They are
kayak trolling tackle box.
great success paddling along to get next to the shore while holding up not tied together in a single vessel.
walleye to bite. During the spring Jigging Options our fish for a picture! If you have to do anything with a no
time when the fish are close to the Another great fishing option is Roberts loves to head to the limits attitude, this might be your
shore this is what they do to get the jigging from a kayak. When jigging, reefs for jigging. When jigging, the next adventure. Now I have a new
bigger walleye. the rods and reels are completely best lure is either hair jigs in clear respect and understanding for the
Roberts says that trolling pro- different. Instead of counter rods, water, or if the water is muddy, Vibe big water kayakers world.n
0% 36 FOR
+
MONTHS1
$
400 UP TO
select John Deere GatorTM
OFF
Utility Vehicles2
tricountyequipment.net
BAD AXE BIRCH RUN BURTON CARO SAGINAW MARLETTE SANDUSKY LAPEER REESE
(989) 269-9249 (989) 624-9356 (810) 742-3364 (989) 673-8400 (989) 791-1234 (810) 346-2761 (810) 648-2404 (810) 664-3798 (989) 868-4165
)!"#$%
Dont trust your hunt to anything less
Thumper 450 Bushmaster
$&'(
*Rugged, dependable, deadly accurate
*Rifles in stock
*Rem 700 conversions available
Orders & info: www.bohmanarms.com or call (812)-212-2698 Actual
Size
Grouping
Always
Service After
10 Miles East of Bay City on M-25 in Quanicassee
the Sale 989-893-9931 www.lindyssales.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 23
Ill call a
turkey for ya!
F
or many turkey hunters, judged by how much your gut hurts
the best part of the spring from laughing, those were real good
turkey season is in the trips.
calling. Any time they On those trips, I usually let
can talk to a big tom Scott do most of the calling. Ive
turkey with their call and seen him pull off some great calling
get a response of lusty gobbling and stunts, like using two calls at once to
a display of puffed-up strutting is sound like a couple of hens arguing.
considered a successful outing. The It worked too. Not on gobblers,
excitement of the hunt and the joy but the hens all came in and closely
of accomplishment have already inspected our decoys. One even
been realized when a wary game bedded down and took a short nap
bird is fooled by their calling efforts. among her plastic friends.
It doesnt really matter if the bird On a Kansas hunt we carried all
becomes a Thanksgiving dinner or our gear, bows, arrows, blinds, calls,
not. stools, etc., across a very muddy
My friend, Scott, an experienced milo field to set up near the tree
turkey hunter, was known as an ex- line along a creek. Scott set up his
pert caller. He had a certain pop-up blind about fifteen
confidence in his call- yards from a cut bank with
ing. Besides taking many the creek running below.
turkeys himself, he really I was hunting from my
enjoyed calling in birds for blind a short distance away.
others, especially beginners. A gobbler answered his
Friends, brothers, nephews, calling that morning, but The authors friend, Scott, and a gobbler taken with his recur ve
and neighbors all have been approached out of sight bow on one of their good days.
privileged to have him down in the creek bottom zinged away. That was too much ally rot and stick together making it
call in their first below him. No for the turkey and he left on the run. sound thin and tinny. Andwell,
spring turkey.
Although I
By Darryl Quidort matter how Scott
sweet talked him,
I could hear Scott laughing as he un-
tangled himself from the tiny blind.
just call ugly, He grinned.
Scott once shot a nice gobbler
had previously taken gobblers with that tom turkey would spit and drum I didnt realize that my recurve from the inside of a barn. No, it
a shotgun, it was Scott who called but wouldnt fly up out of the steep bow was too long to shoot from that wasnt a farm turkey. We were
in my first wild turkey to be taken creek bottom. Thats when I noticed blind, he explained. So I dug a hunting a river bottom when we
with a recurve bow and arrow. I Scotts blind scooching toward the hole in the ground between my feet came across an old, mostly fallen
had been frustrated by the turkeys cut bank. One yard at a time he to stick the lower bow limb into. down, barn with thick brush grown
in my hunting area. Getting one slowly moved the whole blind over, Didnt work though, he laughed. up around it. We cautiously entered
within my limited bow range was a right to the edge of the cut bank. The lower limb hit the hole every to explore the end of the barn that
problem for me. I called my friend From where I sat, it looked like time and threw my shots low. We was still standing. Scott always
Scott. Ill call a turkey for ya! pending disaster. When he reached couldnt stop laughing about the had a diaphragm call in his mouth
Scott volunteered happily. the very edge of the bank, he simply experience. Nothing bothered Scott. and he gave out a few clucks as we
The very next morning, before opened a window and shot the gob- Im usually a timid caller, striv- looked around. Suddenly, a tom
daylight, we quietly entered my bler with his recurve bow. ing for the confidence to be a bold gobbled just outside of the barn.
hunting area. Maybe I can get one Along with all the other gear caller like Scott. After a successful We both froze right where we were
to shock gobble with an owl hoot, needed to bowhunt turkeys, Scott turkey hunt I asked him, Hows my standing. Through the cracks in
Scott whispered. Cupping his hands once carried a full mount of a strut- calling coming? the old boards, I saw the turkey
around his mouth he cut loose with ting gobbler out to use as a decoy. Well Scott started. Youre walking along the barn wall. The
such realistic Barred Owl hoots That worked almost too well. In a smart hunter and you call pretty brush was so thick that the bird was
that two real owls actually flew in, fact it worked so well that he had well, but walking along just inches outside of
landed in the trees above us, and to glue some feathers back on his But what? I coaxed. Be the boards. There was an opening
started hooting loudly. (No lie!) mounted trophy after a big, angry brutally honest with me. where some boards were missing in
We ducked our heads and moved on tom worked it over with his spurs. ButId know you were a front of where Scott was standing. I
quickly. Scott put on a turkey call- We attempted to make a turkey hunter, not a turkey, he said. You silently pointed to the opening and,
ing exhibition for me that morning. hunting video once. I sat in my call too pretty. You need to call ugly although he couldnt see the turkey,
After calling in a nice tom, which blind with a video camera on a tri- for turkeys. Scott squared off and drew his bow
I promptly missed, he called in a pod while, a short distance in front Thats when Scott gave me a for the shot. When the gobbler hit
whole group of jakes. I managed to of me, Scott sat in a small easier short but priceless lesson in turkey the opening, Scott let loose on him.
get an arrow into one of them and to carry blind. As the morning sun calling. Real turkeys make all sorts The big bird pin-wheeled into the
collected my first turkey taken with topped the trees, Scott called in a of noises, Scott continued. You barn flopping. Is this even legal?
a bow and arrow. I think Scott had nice gobbler which walked within need to break up your rhythm and Scott shouted. We both laughed
more fun calling than I did shoot- ten yards of his blind. I had the be careful not to develop any pattern until we cried.
ing. camera rolling for the kill shot, but to your calls. Learn to use a variety Those were good days, my
We bowhunted together often, Scotts arrow zinged under the birds of calls and switch calls often. Each friend. Your friendship was price-
and we especially enjoyed turkey feet and ricocheted off. After doing one has a slightly different sound, so less.
hunting together. As well as hunting a big crow-hop, the gobbler contin- find one that interests that particular Scott Bishop is gone now. He
around our homes, we often went ued slowly walking. Scotts second turkey. Throw away your old mouth was much too young when he left
on turkey hunting road trips to other shot hit exactly like the first one, diaphragm and buy a new one every us.
states. If the success of a trip can be right at the turkeys feet, and also year. The latex reeds will eventu- And I miss him.n
24 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
BX Series B Series
M Series L Series
T
he month of May in Michigan is so many tournament wins over the years. The
one of the most productive times reason the bottom bouncer and spinner rig is so
for boxing walleye and lots of deadly is it fishes live bait enticingly near bottom
them. Post spawn walleye go on in a way that is virtually impossible to duplicate
the feed bag, and for countless with any other presentation.
anglers targeting fish on Lake Erie, The trick to catching fish on a bottom bouncer
Saginaw Bay, Little Bay de Noc and spinner is understanding that this rig is fished
and Munuscong Bay, the best way in soft contact with the bottom. What that
to catch these fish is with a lure group simply means is the sinker doesnt need to be in constant
known as spinners. contact with the bottom, but rather fishes better
Not to confuse anyone, but the spinners that when set so as to tick the bottom every few feet
walleye guys use are better described as night while slow trolling.
crawler harnesses. Ranging in length from about To accomplish this delicate balance of tick
36 inches to 60 inches, the various forms of the and go fishing, its important to first set the boat
spinner rig are used in different ways to target trolling speed and also to maintain a consistent
both structure loving walleye and those fish that speed. For most spinner fishing applications a
suspend in the water column to feed. speed of 1.2 to 1.5 MPH is about perfect. Es-
tablishing a speed and sticking with it makes it
Structure Tactics easier to set the bottom bouncer precisely.
When walleye are on bottom, no other rig To set a bouncer and spinner rig correctly,
outproduces the common bottom bouncer sinker simply place the sinker in the water, watch to
equipped with a 36 to 42 inch crawler harness. see the harness is trailing straight behind and
Leaders in this length range work nicely at note that the blade is spinning freely. Next, free
presenting the trailing spinner just off the bot- spool the rig until it hits bottom. The instant the
tom. Longer leaders tend to allow the harness to bouncer hits bottom the line will stop playing off
contact bottom and pick up debris and also zebra the reel momentarily. Place your thumb on the
mussels from the bottom. reel spool to prevent additional line from playing
Considered by many anglers to be the meat off the reel, and troll for a few seconds until the
rig of walleye fishing, this rig could also be just- Warming days and stable weather like this
line pulls taut. Now let the bouncer free spool a are Mark Romanack, the authors favorite
ly called the money rig because it has produced second time until it crashes bottom. Close the reel
bail at this point and dont let out any more line.
times to troll spinner rigs for walleye. The
Set up in this manner the bouncer and spinner month of May and June are prime time for
rig can be fished as a flat line in a conveniently boxing limit catches of fish like this in Erie,
located rod holder or fished in combination with Saginaw Bay, Little Bay de Noc and other
an in-line planer board to get the rig out to the fisheries.
side of the boat.
The Tadpole Diver is a resettable trolling weight
Rods matter that dives when the snap on the end of the fishing
The ideal rod for fishing a bottom bouncer line is placed in the elbow of the tow arm. When
and spinner is a baitcasting model with a slow a fish is hooked on the spinner rig attached to
action and a medium to medium/light action. the back of the Tadpole, the snap slides forward,
The tip of a bottom bouncer rod needs to be light converting the Tadpole from a diving trolling
enough to read the bouncer touching bottom and sinker into an in-line weight with little resistance
the backbone of the rod should be soft enough on the line.
that when a fish grabs the bait, the rod can bend What makes Tadpole Divers superior for
without putting direct pressure on the fish. open water trolling is the fact they are easy to rig
Back bouncing rods made for fishing steel- and fish, and they dive deeper than other trolling
head plugs in rivers are about the right length and weights which means anglers can reach target
action for walleye bottom bouncer fishing. A few depths using shorter trolling leads.
rod manufacturers actually make bouncer rods Also, because Tadpoles actually dive they
that are telescopic so they fit nicely in the rod have resistance in the water when a fish strikes
lockers of smaller fishing boats. the trailing spinner that helps to set the hook into
Bottom bouncer fishing is also a game best light biting walleye. Tadpoles can be fished as flat
played with monofilament line that stretches and lines, but most anglers in the Great Lakes are us-
gives this set up a slow reaction time. Again, its ing them in combination with in-line boards like
important that when a fish strikes, the rod tele- the famous Side-Planer by Off Shore Tackle to
graphs the bite before the fish can figure out that spread out their gear and contact more fish.
something is wrong.
Blade Types and Sizes
Targeting Suspended Fish Spinner fishing for walleye is a game played
As deadly as the bottom bouncer is on struc- with a wide variety of blade sizes and types.
Fishing 411 TV host Jake Romanack poses ture loving fish, this set up is useless when wall- Clearly, the Colorado style blade is the most
with a typical Lake Erie walleye caught eye start to suspend in the water column to feed popular, and the most popular sizes include No.
trolling spinner rigs. Note the pink backed on pelagic forage species like alewives, gizzard 4, 5 and 6 blades. Anglers fishing on the bottom
blade. On Erie, brighter colors like pink, shad and emerald shiners. To target suspended tend to favor smaller No. 4 blades and those fish-
char treuse and antifreeze are popular fish a Tadpole Diver produced by Off Shore ing for suspended fish often opt for larger No. 5
choices. Mark Romanack photos Tackle is a better option. or 6 blades.
26 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
3 1/4, 1/3 oz
11 colours
4 1/4, 3/5 oz
No surprises here. The Colorado blade is the most popular choice among serious walleye anglers.
This one is produced by Yakima Bait and is known as the HammerTime Walleye Spinner.
Were Hiring!
Trout Lake. While hunting, George story of the long trip George under-
stayed at a logging camp for shelter took to get the deer. The fact that the
and meals. Im sure he took advan- thief had become a taxidermist also
tage of the same type of accommo- increased his understanding of how
dations on his way north and south. much sentimental value the mount
November 15 was opening day had for the Kleinow family.
of deer season in 1923 just like it While the head was in the taxi-
is today. George was successful dermists possession, he remounted
in shooting a big 9-pointer with a the antlers. After the mount was
dressed weight of 210 pounds on returned to Harold, he didnt like
the way it looked, so the decision
Feyen Zylstra is looking for the 16th. He shot the deer with a .30
caliber Remington pump rifle. That was made to have the mount redone.
buck was the first deer George ever
experienced Journeyman Electricians shot and he had the head mounted.
A cape from an 8-pointer Harolds
youngest son, Scott, shot with a
for our Detroit, Traverse City, and Based on the mass of the antlers
and the deers body size, Im sure
crossbow in Monroe County on
October 27, 2015 was used for the
Grand Rapids, MI branches. the buck that grew them was a
mature animal that was at least 4 1/2
new mount. That buck had a dressed
weight of 185 pounds, so it was
years old and the whitetail certainly similar in size to the buck his grand-
could have been older. Although father shot in the UP during 1923.
only 8 antler points are visible in the The refurbished mount was pre-
Email your resume directly to photo accompanying this article of
Harold Kleinow with the mount of
sented to Harold by his three sons
(Scott, Dan and John) 93 years after
his fathers buck, the left brow tine George bagged the buck that grew
amandar@fzcorp.com to apply! is forked, which is where the 9th the rack. To make the 2016 deer sea-
point is. son even more special, Harold shot a
For many years, the head mount buck, a 4-pointer, on November 16,
of that buck hung in a vacation the same day his father connected
cabin George built on a lake in Rose on the UP 9-pointer in 1923, while
City. George eventually gave the hunting out of his cabin at Hawks.
mount to his son, Harold, in 1971 My dad turns 80 this year,
who hung it in a cabin he built in Scott commented. We all hope he
Hawks. That cabin was broken into gets a big one this year!
during the summer of 1976 and the Scott and his wife Anne provid-
head mount of Georges buck was ed the background information for
one of the things that were stolen. this article.n
28 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
(989) 569-3482 / service@pcsoutdoors.com
Spring Pest Control Sale Hip Waders #2011 Live Cage Trap Spring Sale
Nash Choker Loop Mole Trap. $59.95 Duke Cage Traps
(Made in Michigan) (Shown in Image) #1100 (16x5x5) - $9.88
Swamp Hunter Hip Waders #1109 (26x9x9) - $27.16
$15.95 /Each
(Womens & Kids Boots) #1110 (32x10x12) - $38.64
$49.95 #1114 (36x15x14) - $72.78
Easy Set Mole Trap Neoprene Waders #9301
(Made in the U.S.A.) Havahart Cage Traps
(Shown in Image) #1020 (10x3x3) - $14.76
$24.95 /Each $109.95 #0745 (16x6x6) - $21.72
3-Ply Nylon Waders #3112 #1088 (24x8x8) - $35.28
$89.95 #1079 (32x10x12)- $49.28
Easy Set Gopher Trap Pro Line Hunting Boot Sale #1020 (42x15x15)-$116.88
$5.95 /Each
CHARTER DIRECTORY
Captain Dan Golden
fishon@fireplugcharters.com
231-398-9073 517-260-5297
www.fireplugcharters.com
TROPHY SPECIALISTS
FISHING CHARTERS
CHARTERS STARTING AT ONLY $400 - GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
Captain Mike Veine targets the hottest action at the best
places, during peak trophy producing periods.
Eries Trophy
Walleyes
Early spring on Lake Erie
serves up the best trophy
walleye fishery in the world.
From ice-out in March
through April, Lake Erie
offers outstanding trophy
walleye action.
Saginaw Bay
Walleye
All through spring and
summer our charters
produce consistant,
worldclass fishing.
Catch limits there are very
generous too. Both eaters
and lunkers are
typically caught on most
charters for the perfect mix.
Walleye
Run Now! 734-475-9146
www.trophyspecialists.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 31
Michigans quintessential seagull
THE HERRING GULL
Michigan has no its seen at the ocean, or on our
Great Lakes. To set the stage for
seagulls. Not even one. todays seagull tale, my use of the
Confused? Dont be. word seagull will only refer to our
quintessential seagull, the herring
Seagulls do not exist! gull.
T
Herring Gulls
(Larus argentatus)
here is no such thing
as a seagull, but that
common name has They are perhaps the most famil-
stuck and frequently iar and most recognizable seabird
creates confusion when in the Northern Hemisphere and
large gatherings of are very much at home in Michi-
gulls are seen along our thousands gan. Adult herring gulls are gray
of miles of Great Lakes and white with pinkish
shoreline, or at much legs and yellow eyes. The
smaller inland lakes, and hefty beak is yellow with a
the viewer wonders why noticeable red spot on the
seagulls flew so far inland. lower mandible. Herring
The author felt like the proud stepdad being accepted by this family
They did not fly in from the gulls raucously circle over
ocean. They live in Michi- fishing boats and ferries, of gulls. Jonathan Schechter photos
gan. Seagull is a lay- loiter on docks, hang out in starred in Alfred Hitchcocks 1960s climate change than other species.
persons word to describe parking lots and raid sum- thriller, The Birds. It was there Individual herring gulls may witness
mer picnic at Bodega Bay that great flocks of significant change in their lifetime
By Jonathan Schechter
any gull
species tables. eye-poking, head-pecking, children- as winters weaken and summers
whether And they chasing herring gulls, with backup sizzle. Herring gulls are long lived.
from large flocks of mean-spirited, Again from Audubon, The oldest
homicidal crows, ravaged the town recorded herring gull was at least
and maimed and killed humans. 29 years, 3 months old when it was
JOE THOMAS PRO SERIES ROOSTER TAIL
seen in the wild in Michigan in 2015
Climate -- Adaptation
DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY and identified by its band. It had
FOR BASS
The Audubon Society describes been banded in Wisconsin in 1986.
herring gulls with three words: big,
lively and successful. And I will Gull Food
add inquisitive and adaptable. The Herring gulls love of herrings
Audubon website includes gull (alewives) led to its name, but these
ornithology facts related to climate opportunistic hunters and scav-
Classic Rooster Tail w/HD change. While many bird species, engers adapt quickly to whatever
Split Ring & Pre-Sharpened mammals, and a two legged spe- nature or humanity offers. The loose
Black Nickel Hook cies known as homo sapiens will soil of newly plowed spring fields
be at increased risk with warming offers worms and other tiny crea-
Pulsating Hackle/Tinsel
Dressed Hook Attracts Fish of our planet, herring gulls come tures. Fishing boats, docks and river
out as winners. Audubon writes, bank campsites present scraps, and
Genuine Silver, With the right combination of muddy river banks are rich with
Brass and/or
Painted Blades garbage dumps, shopping malls, treats. They will also take crayfish,
and coastlines, herring gulls may small crabs and the eggs of other
have a better chance at weathering gulls. They are masters of soaring
Premium Wildlife
Habitat Creation
This new Rooster Tail was designed with YOUR PROPERTY IS OUR PRIORITY
input from professional angler Joe Thomas Food Plots
and built specifically for bass and schooling
stripers. Special components make it extra Brush Hog Serving
strong to handle the toughest fish, and it features all the
attributes that make Rooster Tail so productive. Available in two sizes,
Trail Creation Lower
and ounce for long casts and fast retrieves, the Joe Thomas Series Hinge Cutting Michigan
Rooster Tail comes in 12 finishes hand-selected by Joe Thomas. Soil Testing
Free Quotes
LUNCH SERV
LUNCH SERVED
DONT MISS
DONT MISS OUT
On The Sp
SATURDAY,
LUNCH SERVED
SATURDAY,
Financing
On The Spot
SATURDAY,
MAY 6 , 2017
DONT MISS OUT
TH
Financing
MAYTH6 , 2017
TH
Herring gulls select nesting sites very near water, often in locations
protected from prevailing winds by boulders or driftwood. RIDE AND DR
MAY 6 , 2017
On The Spot
SATURDAY, Financing
RIDE AND DRIVE
7 AM6TO
MAY 5 PM
, 2017 TH
7 AM TOTO
5 PM5 PM
Come see
7 AM
RIDE AND DRIVE
everything
OPEN HOUSE
Come see
7 AM TO 5 PM Rent,
everything Sell a
we
OPEN
OPEN HOUSE
HOUSE
Come see
Rent, SellService!!
and
everything we
OPEN HOUSE
See the Latest Items Get the Best Prices
See the Latest Items Get the Best Prices
Service!!
Rent, Sell and
Service!!
See the Latest Items Get the Best Prices
See the Latest Items Get the Best Prices
JONES EQUIPM
JONES EQUIPMENT
4600 24th Aven
JONES EQUIPMENT
4600 24th
4600 24th Avenue
Avenue
Fort Gratiot MI 4
Fort Gratiot
Fort Gratiot MI
MI 48059
48059
810-385-600
810-385-6000
810-385-6000
www.jones-equipment.com
www.jones-equipme
www.jones-equipment.com
RT-
may change as you progress, you may 3073 142nd Ave. 18612 Northland Dr. 7353 State Rd. 15838 Carleton Rd. 55232 Franklin Dr.
need to reduce or increase the power Model
(616) 896-9190
Available Deck Sizes
(231) 592-1200 (616) 997-9190 (517) 448-2071 HD(269) 273-3253
with GT-Trac
depending on the dogs reaction.
If you are being ignored even
RT- HD
with GT-Trac
54
& 61
Xtreme Turf Flow Deck
26hp Big Block Vanguard
3 year residential / commercial engine warranty
Engine Option 54 Cut, Cash Price $6,599
while using the e-collar, you need to 61 Cut, Cash Price $6,799
increase the intensity. Do this only
RT-HD Model Engine Options: 26hp Vanguard or 32hp Big Block Vanguard 32hp Big Block Vanguard
one increment at a time until you
Patented TCB-3 Elastomer bushings under the seat for a smooth ride 3 year residential / commercial engine warranty
GT-Trac Precision handling, traction and balance 54 Cut, Cash Price $7,299
see the dog react with concern. One
Parker HTJ 10cc Hydro Transaxles 1000 hour fluid change, 3 year warranty 61 Cut, Cash Price $7,499
24 Radial tires standard on 61
point to remember is the dog usually
Control Panel with LCD display Keyless/enter personal code to start, hour
$
206
will need more power when meterout
(engine inand deck), tachometer, low battery, time between oil change
the field. Higher distraction andLifetime
more
Standard folding ROPS, adjustable control handles and 4-bearing spindles
Warranty: Deck, 2 year limited, 3 year engine and hydraulic Cash Price starting as low:
excitement usually need at least a
little more intensity. Around the house
problems usually requires$0 down starting as low as $134 mo.* $6,599
less intensi-
ty. The big question here is what level
*
Program expires 6/30/17
Destination charges not included. Ask a sales representative for details.
So dont be afraid to adjust. When 26hp Big Block Van &
RT-HD
*Tax, finance, destination, accessories and additional charges may apply. Spartan RT-HD 54 with 26hp Vanguard MSRP $7,259 with
3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial institution funding the loan based on the
RT-
your approval and kindness. When it
doesnt you give it the e-collar with HD
with GT-Trac
&
Xtreme Turf Flow Deck
26hp Big Block Vanguard
206
3 year residential / commercial
54
engine warranty
61
61 Cut, Cash Price $
$6,59
Warranty: Lifetime Deck, 2 year limited, 3 year engine and hydraulic
advise people to start with a simple www.burnips.com mail@burnips.com www.burnips.com mail@burnips.com
$6,599
low stress recall command while the
dog is on a long line. The first step is
to call it. If the dog comes, praise it
Dorr, MI Big Rapids, MI
3073 142nd Ave. 18612 Northland Dr.down
Coopersville, MI
7353 Statestarting
Rd. 15838
Hudson, MI
as lowCarleton
as down
Rd. 55232 Franklinmo.$0
Three Rivers, MI
starting
Dr. * as low asDorr, MI Big Rapids,mo.
MI$0$134Coopersville,
* MI Hudson, MI
3073 142nd Ave. 18612 Northland Dr. 7353 State Rd. 15838 Carleton Rd. 55232 Franklin Dr.
Three Rivers, MI $134
(616) 896-9190 (231) 592-1200 (616) 997-9190 (517) 448-2071 (269) 273-3253 (616) 896-9190 (231) 592-1200 (616) 997-9190 (517) 448-2071 (269) 273-3253 Program expires 6/30/17
and show affection. If it doesnt come * *
Program expires 6/30/17
Destination charges not included. Ask a sales representative for details. Destination charges not included. Ask a sales representative for details.
even with some coaxing or if the dog Destination charges not included. Ask a sales representative for details. Destination charges not included. Ask a sales r
*Tax, finance, destination, accessories and additional charges may apply. Spartan RT-HD 54 with 26hp Vanguard MSRP $7,259 with
3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial
*Tax, finance, institutionaccessories
destination, funding the loan
andbased on the charges
additional
may apply. Spartan RT-HD 54 with 26hp Vanguard MSRP $7,259 with
P
assing on the heritage Now I have two granddaugh-
of fishing to your kids/ ters and my son is passing on the
grandkids gives them a example set early in exposing his
lifetime sport and activ- daughters to fishing at every oppor-
ity. Taking sons/grand- tunity. My daughters do not have
sons fishing is a common children yet, although I am sure
activity on a family vacation or when they do, they will take an ac-
weekend although dont forget to tive role in taking their kids fishing.
include your daughters/granddaugh- As is commonly known, most chil-
ters. I can not speak to all young dren emulate their parents parenting
girls, although when my kids were style and activities.
growing up my son was always Any parent, grandparent or adult
excited about fishing with Dad and who has tried to take young kids out
Mom. angling knows you need
My daughters were to find some fishing action
harder for me to under- without too much delay. Floyd Dropps and Paul Larmour of Iron County Wildlife Unlimited
stand, although I made a Accomplishing that will take kids out on a pontoon boat in Runkle Lake for panfish. The
point of including both of make it an enjoyable and pontoon boat acts as a moving fishing pier and is an excellent way
them. As young girls my longer lasting outing. For
open water season, panfish
to expose a number of novice anglers to fishing.
daughters would be greatly
interested in a fishing out- fishing is probably the best fisheries biologist and ask for a list Unit) in the search box (top right)
ing with Dad one time, option available. If you are of locations conducive to abundant and when you get to the desired
and then the next be taking several kids, panfish and public access. The gen- Management Unit, click on Con-
much more interest-
ed in a social activity By Bill Ziegler unless you have a
larger boat, it is also
eral phone numbers for each DNR
management unit is located on page
tact Us and a list of each biologists
phone and email address is shown.
with their friends. good to consider a 67 of the Michigan Fishing Guide, Another link below contact site
Although I was unsure of how com- shore fishing option. This allows available where you buy your is Family Friendly Fishing Wa-
mitted they were to fishing; I can them to run around some when they fishing license. You can get more ters. As a retired DNR Fisheries
now say that exposure to fishing at a lose interest between bites. Most contact information for your local Biologist, a review of the waters
young age made a major impact on areas of Michigan have several op- DNR fish biologist by going to the listed in the UP counties I formerly
their interests as they grew up. My tions since many state, county and DNR Fisheries online at http://www. provided this same information to
daughters both enjoy fishing as the community parks are located on michigan.gov/dnr . To obtain your anglers and revealed some of the
opportunity presents itself, and one water. local fisheries biologist name and DNR Units listings are incomplete.
of them has developed a real passion Adults looking to find good specific contact information, type Although the waters listed are likely
for fishing making it a large part of family oriented panfish experiences the name of the Fish Management good choices for family waters,
her adult lifes regular pastime. should contact their local DNR Unit (e.g. Northern Lake Michigan an inexperienced parent or mentor
angler will find that the area fisher-
ies biologists may know of more
Church Tackle Co. ALL MADE
IN THE USA
waters, as well as ones best suited to
you and your childs individual situ-
New for 2016!
WE DIDNT INVENT THE PLANER BOARD, WE JUST PERFECTED IT! Locking Arm
easy to open & close
Locking Arm
Lock-Jaw
Adjustment Adjustment Screw
only to its big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super
braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line!
Replaceable
The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 1 7/8 Long Pad
Pad
planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. 1/2 Wide Locator holes for Line Protector inside
keeps line from making
Locator holes for
attaching to side-planers
The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and attaching
to side-planers
WE DIDNT INVENT CLIPS, contact with screw
Stingray
works for many other applications.
WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!
Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk Diving Weight
TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer TX-44 Tournament Series Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put
more fish in the boat! Water strikes top surface,
The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers,
(10 1/4 long, weighs about 3 oz) (7 long, weighs about 1.5 oz) Lead Core, Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 forcing the Stingray downward. A fish on will
An all new type of planer! makes it harder for fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to force the nose upward & Stingray to the surface.
retrieve. The Vise Clip comes standard with the TX-44; especially Available in unpainted or painted. 2 snaps for
rch Tackle Co. designed for lead core & copper, makes accidental each weight included
Chu E-Z Store Famous
release almost impossible. snaps off & on in seconds Lock-Jaw
TX-44 Tournament Series now for easy removal & storage Clip Size #1 - .7 oz
Easy to attach and remove.
available which comes with a #40300
Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along unpainted #40302 black
Lock-Jaw Clip, Stainless Steel
drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. Rear Pin and E-Z Store for easy
Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering tow-arm removal. Part# 30630 Size #2 - 1.4 oz
the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth. Standard TX-44 Part# 30610 Stainless Steel Rear Pin (14 x 4 1/4 x 7/8)
EZ Store! For Your Planer Board Allows for easy Tournament Series
planer storage! Change #40303 unpainted #40304 orange
-22 SCop
RIGHT
ecia
TXChurch Tackle odus, MI
.S l
tow-arm & clips in a snap!
Upgrade Kit
Size #3 - 2.7 oz
hurchtackle.com
www.c
& TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change Includes a Lock-Jaw Clip
to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when youre ready to E-Z Store & Stainless Erich Ziegler and the author with
fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right Rear Pin Assembly. (Part# 30640) #40305 unpainted #40306 chartreuse daughter and nephews fishing
Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they dont carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all panfish at the Runkle Lake Fish-
of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog. ing Pier near Cyrstal Falls.
36 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
ation and fish species interest. that typically mentor the kids while
When you contact the fisheries fishing. This is also a good oppor-
biologist, ask for a list of the areas tunity for beginner angler parents
more abundant panfish waters with to pick up some effective fishing
lots of action for kids in mind. Ask methods. Most groups who sponsor
for a list of local fishing piers or youth fishing events appreciate if
shore fishing opportunities. Good at least one parent sticks around to
species of fish for kid action are help with the kids.
bluegill, sunfish, rock bass, and Recently, a single grandmother
perch. Panfish lakes are common asked me for advice about panfish
throughout Michigan; the ones to methods from a pier. Her real prob-
focus on are the panfish lakes where lem was her grandson kept getting
they can be accessed easily with a tangles in his inexpensive spin cast
pier or from shore. reel when casting. Closed face spin
As the water temperature warms casting rod and reel combinations
in the late spring (68 to 70 F) are good for beginners, although
bluegill and sunfish start bedding/ if you dont regularly change the Emma Ziegler shows her little sister Hali how to fish for panfish off
nesting. This is a time period where monofilament line it gets tangles. a local dock. Chandra Ziegler photo
novice anglers can often get lots of I told her an extremely low tech
action from shore fishing. If you back-up is to use the old fashioned As an avid angler with a normal coaches for young children, have the
get your young angler into nesting cane pole. I have not seen bamboo level of patience, when I was tak- following suggestions. Make sure
fish, you should encourage them fishing poles for sale in many years, ing my young kids out I took them to keep the fishing outing fun for
to selectively harvest and not take although you can buy more modern about every other outing. That way the kids. Do not go out expecting
many larger bluegills and eat the versions that are telescoping fiber- I could have some angling out- to have a highly productive fishing
medium (less than 8 inch fish). If glass or graphite poles (10 to 12 feet ings where I could try to have good outing for the adults. Great patience
you are a beginner at cleaning fish in length) with a simple line and expectations of adult angling. When needs to be maintained. The parent
you will want to limit the number bobber that can be casted to the fish you go out with real young kids, or mentor must be willing to be
you have to clean after the trip. by anyone big enough to hold up the realize that you may not catch as very flexible with the time period
Some sportsmans clubs, state light poles. This type of cane pole many fish. That will keep you much the youth are fishing. And lastly
parks and National Forests sponsor fishing works really good from pier more patient while working with dont forget to pack a snack; that
youth fishing days. These are often or a boat. As said previously, a your kids. I found as my kids grew alone has saved many of their
timed to take place on Free Fishing spin cast (closed face) rod and reel more experienced and older it took fishing outings with their young
Weekend. On that day adults and combination is a really good combi- much less time to help them, and daughters.
youth under 17 years of age do not nation, especially with a slip bobber they eventually became relatively If you take the time to intro-
need a state fishing license for Satur- and simple hook. self sufficient. There is a great duce your children to fishing, it can
day and Sunday. This weekend will Most anglers use worms or night feeling when your kids start catch- provide an outstanding activity for
be June 10-11 this year, and is annu- crawlers for panfish bait. Most bait ing fish on their own with minimal you to share quality time with your
ally scheduled in early June. Often shops will show you how to rig a coaching from you. kids. This often results in a lifetime
groups sponsoring these events have slip bobber or the other simple gear My son and daughter-in-law, of quality experiences to share with
simple fishing equipment to loan out when you buy it from them. who are both teachers and athletic your family.n
to kids who dont have their own
KAYAK
fishing gear. These events are great
opportunities for kids to get instruc-
tion from more experienced anglers Old TownOceanNecky
Native WatercraftHurricane
Liquid LogicRave SUPsSun Dolphin
Demo Days
May 20
Reps On Hand!!
Shroomer
T
o paraphrase novelist youll return home with an onion
Stephen King: If you sack full of delectable morels. Some
want to be a writer, tips on preparing them for the table
why arent you writing follow; first we have to find them.
now? According to
that logic, if you want When to Go
to find morel mush- Cold mornings when you can
rooms, why arent you see your breath and the ground is
out there looking for them? clammy to the touch are for sleeping
To be sure, you can in. The best days for picking fol-
pick mushrooms in April, low warm nights when the
especially the smaller black temperature is rising. This
morels, which are usually condition often brings rain,
grayish in color. And the which I believe helps trig-
picking season for white ger the fungi to pop.
morels, typically caramel or I remember a misty
tan, runs well into June. But Sunday morning a few
after more than 40 years of years ago when I slipped
mushroom hunting, give out back of the house for a
brief scouting
Michigan Meanders
me the month A good place to find morels in large numbers are spots that have
of May for the mission before
church. A mid- experienced recent disturbance. Author photos
best time to go.
Its one
of only a few
By Tom Huggler night shower
had given way
them there again. Another time,
the power company dumped a load
ning surroundings. That trick didnt
work for me, but slipping on a pair
outdoor activities that cost nothing. to a warm- of wood chips near my unattached of Hi-Def Spex, specialty eyewear
Nature unfolding in spring is a beau- ing trend and there they were, like garage. When I went to spread the designed for shooters, did help to
tiful experience. Walking is good magical beacons, along the wooded chips, I was surprised to find several clarify objects, including several
exercise. And, if you are successful, slope. I stood there a long moment mushrooms around the pile. mushrooms, on the cloudy day I
silently counting five-six-seven mo- Over the years, the hands-down tested them.
rels among the deadfalls and prickly best spot for morels, at least in my
ash just starting to sprout green experience, is near slippery elms A Mushroom Memo
leaves. Sudden movement turned that are dead or dying. Now, when- A tip that Larry Lonik passed
into a red fox pup emerging from ever I forage, I first look for these along is worth repeating: Drop any
his den, followed by six brothers trees with their loose bark hanging morels you find in a mesh bag and
and sisters. I watched them play for in shards. If you dont find morels swing it as you walk through the
a quarter-hour before they melted in bunches, usually within the drip woods. This practice will help to
back into the den as mysteriously as linebut sometimes beyond the cast spores, which is how mush-
they had appeared. drip linecome back tomorrow or rooms propagate. Plastic bags and
That morning I filled my base- the next day. paper sacks (and baseball caps) are
ball cap with morels, which went Early last May, my 10-year-old a no-no. Carry a sharp knife and cut
into omelets for the family before son and I picked more than 120 the morel stalk above the ground.
we hustled off to church. black morels, clustered like specta- Never rip out mushrooms by their
tors in a theater of the round, from a roots.
Where to Look single slippery elm. Daniel spotted At home, I gently wash the
Morels can appear anywhere and them first, probably because his eyes mushrooms at the kitchen sink and
often do, A DNR wildlife biolo- are better than his fathers and hes lay them on paper towels to dry.
gist told me she picked a couple closer to the ground. Two weeks This practice will remove any in-
along a City of Lansing sidewalk later, we plucked a dozen or more sects. A tip I picked up from Theresa
while walking to work from the car white morels from this same tree, Maybrier, a Missouri expert who
parking lot one spring morning. perhaps an anomaly because this studied under Lonik and who often
Individual mushrooms show up on had never happened before. appears at Michigan sport shows,
peoples lawns, in farm pastures and is to slice the morels in rings rather
on construction sites. How to Look than cutting them lengthwise. Sau-
A good place to find them in Ever try to find a jumbo paper ted in butter, the mushrooms will
large numbers, however, are spots clip in a kitchen junk drawer? Until cook more evenly.
that have experienced recent distur- you can imagine what the paper When picking is plentiful, I
bance such as logging or dredging. clip looks like, the search is hope- often preserve excess morels by dry-
The late Larry Lonik, who sought less. Spotting morels among the leaf ing them in a food dehydrator, avail-
morels all over North America and litter, fiddlehead ferns uncurling able online or from the housewares
was Michigans foremost expert, and May apples sprouting is equally department at big box stores. The
never drove past burn areas. One challenging. Picture the mushroom finished product, as light as potato
time in Canada, Lonik and friends first; if it is there, you will likely chips, can then be stored with other
filled a pickup with mushrooms find it. Walk slowly and stop often canned goods in airtight quart jars.
that sprouted after a forest fire had while scanning the forest floor To reconstitute, simply soak them in
passed. ahead and around you before water for a few minutes.
A prime example of a dead/ I remember picking white mo- moving on. May is morel mushroom time.
dying slippery elm where I find rels near apple trees I had pruned One fellow I know sometimes Heres hoping you find the mother
morels in May. the previous winter but never found relies on pocket binoculars for scan- lode.n
38 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Deer Tracks
Ranch
Located only 30 minutes
from Traverse City
and 2 hours from Lansing
Deer Tracks Ranch is nestled in the remote
wilds of Northern Michigan. Bounded
by the acclaimed trout waters of The Big
Manistee River, Deer Tracks remains one
of the most pristine and unbroken tracks
in the lower peninsula.
Deer Tracks Ranch, Michigans largest single
hunting enclosure, offers you the whitetail hunt
of a lifetime filled with world class bucks.
Contact Us Today!
989.550.3114 810.210.3275
8400 N Sharon Road Fife Lake, MI 49633
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 39
Boat Launch
preparation
M
any boat owners A few drops of oil in generators
clean up their pride or alternators, fresh grease in pumps
and joy in the spring that require it and some oil in wicks
with a coat of paint, of distributors is a good idea. Check
good wax job and wiring and fuse connector or holders
shiny rails. They use for corrosion and proper contact.
a lot of energy making her Check bulbs on running
look good as new but over- and deck lights (always
look items of importance carry spares); fluid levels During a Coast Guard Auxiliary safety check, your fire extinguisher will be
that are not visible. for engine and transmis- looked at along with all your other required safety equipment.
A complete check of sion as well as steering and sure there are no bird nests inside your fire extinguisher to insure it
your engine area should power trim or tilt. your muffler. is in good shape. Your flare kits
be made. If you have an Outboards should Get out your tool kit and make expiration dates will be noted.
owners manual, refer to be checked for steering sure all you need is in good condi- Check your hull for any cracks
the manufacturers direc- and power tilt fluids if so tion and none are missing. Check or soft spots, many fiberglass boats
tives before startup. Hook equipped and clean electri- your spare parts supply; extra belts, have glass over wood transoms/
up water to
your intake By Capt. Fred Davis cal connec-
tions if corro-
spark plugs, bulbs, and fuses. Look
your first aid kit over to be sure you
stringers and a slight crack can al-
low moisture to rot and weaken the
and run the sion is evident. have all items you need in an emer- wood.
engine, see that all pulleys are run- Try coating with a sealer to avoid gency and that none of them have If you trailer your boat, check
ning freely and the water pump is future problems. deteriorated while in storage. the trailer lights, wiring, tires, wheel
operating properly. Belts need to Check your propeller, if chipped Safety equipment exams are bearings, hitch and coupler to be
be checked for cracks or rot and or dinged, repair it because a slight critical. If you have not had an in- sure your trip to the launch is not
replaced. Fuel lines develop wear balance change can cause severe spection by the Coast Guard Auxil- interrupted.
from vibration and will show cracks. damage. iary, spring launch is a good time to Its a good idea to make a com-
Rubber inlet and circulation hoses I/Os have rubber boots around give them a call. They will check plete checklist for launch just as you
will have soft spots as well as cracks the stern drive that will crack and your life jackets for sunburn, tears, do for fall lay-up. Use my ideas and
and all should be double clamped. rot. Inboards and some I/Os have poor stitching or air leak packs. Be add items you think of.
Check closely around the clamps for exhaust outlets that will also crack sure your Inflatable styles have extra Have a safe and happy boating
any cuts. or develop corrosion. Check to be cylinders. The inspector will check season.n
Contact
Contact one
one of our buyers
of our buyerstoday
today Call for Rates & Details
brad@billsbylumber.com or jim@billsbylumber.com Weekend and Weekly rates
brad@billsbylumber.com
(616) 634-1522 or or (989)
jim@billsbylumber.com
544-9342
Satellite TV & WiFi
2725 Larch Rd. Harrison, MI 48625
(616) 634-1522 or (989) 544-9342
2725 Larch Rd. Hunting Dogs Welcome
www.billsbylumber.com Boat rental is available
FIREWOOD BY T H E
Harrison, MI 48625 or bring your own.
www.billsbylumber.com 2.5 Hours N. of Detroit btw W. Branch & Tawas
Visit: ZeronsIsland.com or Call 248-
SEMI-LOAD 762-2417 for more information
40 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
U.P. deer habitat
improvement grants
$100,000 to eleven projects funded across 13 counties
T
he MDNR has awarded Gogebic, Dickinson, Schoolcraft,
a total of $100,000 in Menominee, Iron, Ontonagon,
deer habitat improve- Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Baraga,
ment grants in the Marquette and Delta counties.
Upper Peninsula. The The grant proposal recipients
funds will be allocated selected for 2017 are: for high-calorie fall foods, conifer Range Improvement Program,
to 11 grant award recipients. U.P. Whitetails Inc. - $6,829 plantings in deer wintering com- which is funded by a portion of deer
The Deer Habitat Improvement Ontonagon County Chapter of plexes, creating hunter walking hunting license revenue.
Partnership Initiative is a com- Whitetails Unlimited - $8,000 trails, and scarifying land within To date, a total of $450,000 has
petitive grant program designed to Dickinson C.D. - $12,000 deer wintering complexes to pro- been spent on 60 grant projects.
enhance deer habitat on non-state- Gogebic C.D. - $5,811 mote regeneration of long-lived Grant-funded projects have been
managed lands in the U.P. Camp Debby LLC. - $10,000 conifers and other trees that need completed in every U.P. county,
This years grants are for Sustainable Resources/ Forest bare mineral soils exposed to involving hundreds of individual
excellent projects designed to ad- Park School District - $5,360 grow in. private landowners and thousands of
dress local and regional deer habitat Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac A committee reviewed and acres of deer habitat.
needs, said Bill Scullon, grant C.D. - $10,000 scored 13 grant proposals, based These projects often become
program administrator and DNR Iron-Baraga C.D. - $13,000 on five specific grant evalua- the catalyst for lasting partnerships
field operations manager from the Marquette County C.D. - tion criteria. The criteria included and promote community conserva-
Norway Field Office. Many of the $13,000 production of tangible deer habitat tion efforts across the region, said
projects funded in this latest grant The Forestland Group and U.P. enhancement benefits; proposal J.R. Richardson, a Michigan Natural
cycle focus on improving long-term Whitetails Inc. - $10,000 logistical feasibility; public acces- Resources Commissioner who lives
cover in deer wintering complexes Schoolcraft C.D. - $6,000 sibility or proximity to public lands; in Ontonagon. Many times they
(deer yards) and improving forag- This seasons grant projects partner cost share and participation lead to self-sustaining efforts by par-
ing opportunities for deer going into involve enhancing spring breakout in the project implementation; and ticipants long after the grant money
and coming out of stressful winter wildlife openings with nutritious the inclusion of a communications has been spent.
conditions. forage, planting large oak saplings strategy. For more information, visit the
Projects have been approved in areas impacted by beech bark Now in its ninth year, the initia- DNR website at www.michigan.gov/
for partnering organizations in Iron, disease, planting soft mast trees tive is supported by the states Deer dnr-grants.n
Bridging
the abyss
The taking of a wild gobbler is not
the end of the hunt for a traditional
woodsman. Instead, it is simply the
continuation of a pleasant time-traveling
journey through what once was...
C
autious exuberance north of the hens roost, offered the
counterbalanced a only hint as to the wild turkeys
dead turkeys bulk. whereabouts.
Bony legs pried Twenty minutes ticked away
against tensed before the wing bones single
shoulder muscles. Arrkkk, hushed and seductive,
Stubby, pointed resonated from the cluster of five
spurs dug through cedar trees that grew just to the west
trail worn linen; one broke skin of the main trail that snaked along
and drew blood. Fingers cramped the ridge crest. Hips skootched to
as they strained to keep a the left. The Northwest
firm grip on the gobblers guns turtle sight followed.
purple, limp feet. Now and Better to cover the up-
again tail feathers poked at per trail, the trading post
a sweat-stained head scarf. hunter whispered to an
Despite the discomfort, inquisitive titmouse.
the joyous task of lugging Two blue jays and a Rather than returning to the 21 st century and walking back to a
a wild turkey back to the crimson cardinal came and pickup truck, the traditional woodsman continued on with a back-
cedar-brush camp provided went. Four cawing crows country hunters daily activities and star ted back to his station
an unmatched 18th-century winged in the direction of camp. Wild River tree photos
delight.
Hours earlier, aBy Dennis Neely the Raisins sandy
flats. Once those The young bird was alone, but in a wild turkey slung over ones
pre-dawn still-hunt raucous demons familiar territory. His head turned shoulder does not seem all that life
crossed times threshold, then pen- were well gone, a barn owl swooped back and forth as he sought the changing. Outdoor magazines, hunt-
etrated deep in the Old Northwest low, banked around the huckleberry whereabouts of the seductive hen ing websites and gear manufacturers
Territory of 1793, three hills east of swamp and disappeared into the that beckoned a suitor over an hour feature such images to bait poten-
the River Raisins headwaters. That hardwoods. before. It appeared his concern was tial readers or customers. One might
calm and somewhat chilly April Then bronze feathers slipped not with danger, but rather avoiding argue the excessive use of such pho-
morn began with great anticipation. through an opening in the cedar a fight with an older, more experi- tos has dulled their attractive value,
Gob-obl-obl-obl! Obl-obl-obl- trees, sixty paces down the upper enced tom. but that is not our cause today.
obl! Obl-obl-obl-obl! Just after first trail. An eager finger worked the The red-headed gobblers still- Rather, for a traditional black
light a series of chain gobbles from trigger as an anxious thumb pulled hunt mirrored that of the trading powder hunter, lugging a gobbler
the north end of the hogback ridge back the flintlocks hammer, all to post hunters woodland habit: step back to a 1790s-era station camp is
heightened the excitement. In the avoid the telltale click of the sear and pausestep and pausestep an unforgettable 18th-century thrill,
midst of the pontifications, four or bar snapping into the tumblers The birds short black beard bobbed, a pristine moment that bridges the
five raspy-voiced hens clucked, soft full-cock notch. The tarnished brass but did not sway. Tail feathers half- abyss between what is and what
in tone. Those birds roosted in the butt plate eased to the woodsmans fanned thrice. Instead of attracting was.
oaks on the ridges east face. At fly right shoulder. His left hand, its the non-existent hen from the shad- Few hunters sit with a gun of
down, only the songs of the robins, elbow steadied on a raised knee, ows, the toms deliberate approach their own manufacture resting in
cardinals and a few chickadees gripped the smoothbores forestock. simply agitated the death bees. their lap. The same holds true for
drifted through the frosty glade. The hunters prayer, A clean kill, Then a footfall came even with the buffalo-hide moccasins, deerskin
Scu-reeeeeeScu-reeeeee, or a clean miss. Your will, O Lord, wild cherry sapling that marked the leggins, linen knee breeches or os-
a red-tailed hawk screeched as it passed over dry lips. farthest limit of the Northwest guns naburg trade shirtsall hand sewn
circled to the south. Not long after, Purple legs advanced with cau- cylinder bore by that same woodsman to dupli-
an abbreviated gobble, uttered just tion, one agonizing step at a time. On the surface, packing out cate the originals used by his or her
42 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
hunter heroes.
Dont forget to add in the sinew-
stitched leather shot pouch, a hand-
shaped powder horn, a loom-woven
sash, a forged ax and a river-stone-
sharpened butcher knife, all neces-
sities documented in the yellowed
pages of a backcountry hunters
almost-forgotten journals.
And then there is the overlooked
detail of the single radius bone of a
wild turkey, taken years before with
that same Northwest trade gun, the
one loaded with leaves for wad-
dingand in deer season, a lead
round ball cast over an open fire.
Consider further that bone, cut
from the wing, scraped of all tissue,
ends trimmed and marrow pushed
from the center. Washed and dried,
that bone waited in the shot pouch.
Then, on that April morning, cold
fingers retrieved it. With a judicious
draw of air, a soft, seductive cluck
caressed the ridge crest. Imagine
watching a young gobbler, bedecked
in all his woodland magnificence,
stalk to that solitary utterance.
Such circumstances do not occur
by accident. A traditional woods-
man must nurture a willingness to
forsake what is in favor of what The cedar-brush camp imitated a forest shelter described in the writings of Meshach Browning. For
was, at the least, on a somewhat several years, the shelter acted as the learning center for many wilderness classroom lessons.
regular basis. The goal is to engage
in a simple pursuit that limits the ability and authenticity of the por- described in the published narra- seeped through the boughs. The
participant to the resources available trayal, to say nothing of enhancing tive of Meshach Browning, Forty- foot-thick covering harbored vicious
to a person in a specific time period, the learning potential. That is why Four Years of the Life of a Hunter. mosquitoes, but the smoke from a
geographical location and societal the majority of my 18th-century Interpreting Brownings words, wet-wood fire drove them off. These
life station. adventures include a hunting camp then holding true to their character are the failures and successes hid-
Beyond donning linen and based on actual descriptions from yielded a humble abode in the midst den beyond times thresholdthe
leather and striking off into the my beloved time period, the 1790s. of the hardwoods. infinite chances to hone ones forest
glade with a favorite muzzleload- As a meat provider for a local That shelter became a learning skills, the opportunities to share a
ing smoothbore, lurks a passionate trading post, my 1793 hunting ex- center in the wilderness classroom. sense of kinship with the ancients,
desire to discover what it was really ploits began and ended at a cedar- The cedar-brush camp held back to experience the texture of life that
like to live, hunt and survive in a by- brush camp that was similar to one heavy snow, but even a mild rain once was.
I
f you live in the north woods, so we couldnt really call the tricks trees. They like soil with some sand that might be a hot spot.
you can expect to be amazed secrets. On the other hand, they do content and they will grow in almost Avoid really poor soils. If there
every year at the number of practice some techniques that are pure sand but then you cant eat is little growing out in the open ex-
cars you see parked along the not generally pursued by the rank them you cant rinse all the sand cept scraggly weeds and lichens that
back roads and the number and file of mushroomers. out of them. is a sure indication of poor soil.
of people in restaurants, These are the main themes Start your looking on When you find some mush-
motels and other gathering spots, from successful morel seek- rolling terrain. One expert rooms, note carefully the sort of
all dedicated to the pursuit of edible ers: says he always works his soil and plants and trees that sur-
fungi. Mushrooming is very popular Get off the road way way uphill and likes to round your find and make a mental
in Michigan. There are numerous off the road. In the contest search shallow ravines. note to find some more of that cover.
festivals and contests built around environment, these guys The ravine traps leaves and Search that initial area carefully,
festivals and the mushroom rules get off the bus running and debris and often holds a there may be many more morels
those gatherings. To get the real they run way back away concentration of morels and right around close.
inside information on how to find from any accessible point. walking slightly uphill puts If you have any trouble identify-
By George Rowe
morels, I talked to several of the win- The contests are the mushrooms a ing morels, get a mushroom guide
ners of one of the biggest mushroom held on public little closer to the book and carry it with you. There
competitions in the state. I was able land and in a loca- searching eyes. are mushrooms that will make you
to talk to mushroomers that were tion that is unknown before the gun Certain trees species foster the very sick and even the false morel
grand champions in a number of goes off but they always head for growth of morels. Look for small has been known to give some people
years, including several repeat win- the hills at their first opportunity. stands of maturing aspens (popples, problems. Better yet, go to a class
ners. Their observations have been Search the right ground. Un- if you live up north). Look for sin- conducted by a qualified person and
added to my own meager knowledge like some other mushrooms, morels gle old dead elms and stands of ash. really learn about mushrooms. After
of how to find and keep morels. dont like boggy ground. They Watch for some really old aspen all, there are many varieties that
they may be surrounded with a litter
Finding
prefer a light soil, with some sand may be safely gathered and eaten
and a good foundation of forest duff. of dead branches. If you can find an and mushrooming can be a pursuit
Many of the experts share the They feed off the leaves and other area that has some open glades or for many seasons, not just early
same philosophy on finding morels, debris that accumulates under the meadows with small stands of aspen summer.
Aluminum
BOAT TRAILERS
(Built with) Aluminum I-Beams
15-FT TO 50-FT
ALL TYPES AND SIZES
NO TIME
FOR A WEEK
AWAY?
CALL FOR GREAT
1/2 WEEK
SPECIALS!
New Subscription Renewal
(Please attach mailing label)
One year $29 Two years $55 Protect your property from deer or trespassers.
NAME
Enough said. Call us today!
ADDRESS
CITYSTATEZIP
Check/Money Order Visa/Mastercard - Card #Exp. Date
Send to: Woods-N-Water News FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
P.O. Box 278 Imlay City, MI 48444
Or Call (810) 724-0254 DateCk#$ 231.510.8122 www.BeemFence.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 45
THE SPRING SMOLT BITE
E
ach spring hundreds of thousands of chinook, current. This usually limits you to fairly good sized streams as low a profile as possible. Anchors should only be as heavy
coho, and steelhead smolts migrate from the where you can get above the fish but not be detected. They as necessary and slowly lowered to the river bed. Utilizing a
Great Lakes tributaries down to the big lakes. will still catch fish when cast upstream and retrieved with the brush clip instead of an anchor may be helpful in slow moving
In some streams they are joined by pink and current which lets you also fish small creeks where you need to streams with lots of overhanging bushes and tree limbs.
Atlantic salmon smolts. Most of the species stay below the fish to go undetected. Casting and stripping streamers is a lot like fishing plugs
smolt in early to mid-May but Even though you will be casting across and and gives fly anglers the chance to take advantage of the smolt
young chinook salmon usually down, it is usually best to move upstream when bite. There are many streamer patterns that imitate small, sil-
wait until early June to move wading. This keeps you from alerting the trout very fish. Fly fishermen quickly learn that often big trout will
down to the Great Lakes. On a smaller scale this of your presence by sending sand and silt and a often try to stun the streamer, their prey, first and then come
migration also occurs in the tributaries of our wake downstream ahead of you. As you move back and grab it. So they must steel themselves into waiting
large, deep, and cold inland lakes that support upstream and read the water, plan
populations of rainbows. Most of these streams to sneak up along the opposite
also support good populations of resident trout. side of the river from where the
Brown trout are the most common, but there will best depth and cover is located
be many streams that also contain brook trout and then cast as close to the fish
and resident rainbows. holding spots as you can. Re-
It is for sure that when stream resident trout trieve the plugs slowly for the (Left) The authors daughter, Terri Bedford with a spring brown trout. (Above) Retrieve plugs slowly
reach a large size, they become fish eaters. They most part so they act like smolts
will eat their own if minnows are not available. or wounded minnows strug-
for the most par t so they act like smolts or wounded minnows struggling with the current. Star ting
When young salmon and steelhead begin their gling with the current. Starting and stopping the retrieve is a good plan and many times adding twitches with your rod as you re-
trieve your lure will trigger a strike
migration down to the Great Lakes, they
become less cover oriented and thus are By Jim Bedford and stopping the retrieve
is a good plan and many lure toward the cover will also be helpful if you to neglect checking your knot and the line near it. Casting and
more vulnerable to predation. The resident times adding twitches with can do it by moving your rod but not your feet. retrieving lures can be tough on your knot and the end of your
trout take notice and really focus on these very hearty potential your rod as you retrieve your lure will trigger Many of the trout streams that salmon and line. Check your line and knot often and perhaps retie after
meals. The combination of a vulnerable source of food and a strike. The idea is to make the stickbait look steelhead reproduce in are small. They drain every good sized trout you catch.
streams which are usually up a bit with spring flows that offer like an easy, high calorie meal for the trout. directly to the lakes or, probably more often, Large trout are very cover oriented and will ambush smolts
the feeding resident trout extra protection gives trout anglers You can also very effectively fish minnow they are tributaries to larger streams that may from their hideouts. Examples of prime cover include logs
their best shot of the year at landing trophy trout. plugs from a floating craft in large streams and be too warm to support trout. When fishing with space under them, overhanging grass, bushes, or other
Minnow shaped plugs are very effective lures during the rivers. Again, planning ahead is important small trout streams, one of my favorite things vegetation, undercut banks, and riffled or choppy water sur-
smolt migration. They are most effective when cast across as well as making long casts. It will also be to do, it is rarely possible to get upstream faces. Water depth also provides protection but trout feed less
or quartering downstream and retrieved across or against the important to be quiet in the boat and try to keep from the trout without spooking them. If the efficiently when the water is deep. Retrieving your plug as
trout know you are present, there is very little close to as much trout-holding cover as possible will be a key
chance they will strike a lure. to your success. Often you will want to cast past the suspected
Thus, you must usually cast your minnow lair so that the lure is down and swimming when it passes the
plug upstream and retrieve it with the current. log or bush.
This makes hooking the trout that try to kill While some of the smaller, lighter minnow plugs can be
the stickbait first more difficult because you cast with the fly rod, I believe ultra-light spinning tackle is
cant leave it in place for them to circle back ideal for fishing smolt-imitating stickbaits for trout. With this
and grab. Also, Ive found that the plugs only tackle, you can cast light lures a fair distance and accurately
work well when you are fishing a fairly long land them close to good cover. A quality reel with a high
run or hole where you have a chance to get the retrieve ratio is very important as the reel is a big time work
lure down and give the trout a fairly long look. horse for cast and retrieve fishing. Pick a premium, highly
There are many pocket, nooks, and very short castable line in 6 or 8 pound test. My favorites are Trilene XL
runs that hold trout where the plugs wont work and Silver Thread AN 40 because of their fine diameter and
well. limpness. The drawback to them is a slight lack of durabil-
Weighted spinners and compact spoons ity or abrasion resistance but I solve that by changing my line
dont resemble smolts very closely but they do often. You only need to change the top 40-50 yards of work-
flash like the future salmon and steelhead do. ing line, so it is not a big expense to keep fresh line on your
So the solution for me has been to constantly reel.
switch back and forth between these lures For minnow plugs, I like those that suspend such as the Ra-
and minnow plugs as I fish upstream. Given pala Husky Jerk, Kinchou Minnow and the Rebel Holographic
the time, I think most big browns would hit a Minnow. They still float when they land so you can drift them
until they feel the weight of the fish before they set the hook. stickbait imitating a chinook smolt in a stream in May more into position before starting your retrieve. Then, when you
Big browns often do the same thing to a plug, sometimes readily than a spinner. But there are so many spots that you pull them under on the retrieve they will remain there if you
seeming to hit with their mouth closed. Waiting until you can fish better with a quick sinking spoon or spinner. In a need to pause them to entice a big brown that has made pass at
can feel the weight of the trout doesnt work quite as well couple miles of stream I will probably change lures 50 times. your lure to come back and grab it.
with the hard plugs as the trout may not hold on to the lures Cutting and retying would be way too time consuming so I use Finally, if some of your favorite salmon and steelhead
long enough for you to set the hook. So, often, setting the a small, black duo lock snap to attach my lures to the line. You tributaries are good trout streams but are also stocked with
hook with the first strike might be the best way to get hooked will want to use a snap for minnow plugs anyway as the loose smolts to supplement the natural reproduction that takes place,
up. attachment allows the best action from the lure. By the way, if give them extra attention with minnow plugs. Hatchery smolts
This kill before eating trait is a key reason to fish down- your chosen crankbait comes with a split ring, I suggest taking are usually stocked before they are ready to smolt to make sure
stream with plugs whenever the situation allows you to with- it off and using the snap as it is difficult to tie a good knot to they imprint to their stocking location. They mill around in
out spooking the trout. If you do fail to hook the fish you can the split ring. The split ring inherently has a spot with smaller the streams prior to smolting and then usually take their time
Large trout are very cover oriented and will ambush smolts from their hideouts. Examples of prime cover include leave or back the plug back down a bit to where the strike took diameter and sometimes the ends of the wire that is formed migrating. These fish are not stream savvy like their wild
logs with space under them, overhanging grass, bushes, or other vegetation, undercut banks, and riffled or chop- place and twitch it without moving it. This will often bring the into the ring can be sharp. brethren and thus are very vulnerable to predation by the larger
py water surfaces. Jim Bedford photos trout back out for the big meal it missed. Laterally moving the Because you are changing lures without retying, it is easy resident trout.n
46 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS WNW NEWS MAY 2017 47
THE SPRING SMOLT BITE
E
ach spring hundreds of thousands of chinook, current. This usually limits you to fairly good sized streams as low a profile as possible. Anchors should only be as heavy
coho, and steelhead smolts migrate from the where you can get above the fish but not be detected. They as necessary and slowly lowered to the river bed. Utilizing a
Great Lakes tributaries down to the big lakes. will still catch fish when cast upstream and retrieved with the brush clip instead of an anchor may be helpful in slow moving
In some streams they are joined by pink and current which lets you also fish small creeks where you need to streams with lots of overhanging bushes and tree limbs.
Atlantic salmon smolts. Most of the species stay below the fish to go undetected. Casting and stripping streamers is a lot like fishing plugs
smolt in early to mid-May but Even though you will be casting across and and gives fly anglers the chance to take advantage of the smolt
young chinook salmon usually down, it is usually best to move upstream when bite. There are many streamer patterns that imitate small, sil-
wait until early June to move wading. This keeps you from alerting the trout very fish. Fly fishermen quickly learn that often big trout will
down to the Great Lakes. On a smaller scale this of your presence by sending sand and silt and a often try to stun the streamer, their prey, first and then come
migration also occurs in the tributaries of our wake downstream ahead of you. As you move back and grab it. So they must steel themselves into waiting
large, deep, and cold inland lakes that support upstream and read the water, plan
populations of rainbows. Most of these streams to sneak up along the opposite
also support good populations of resident trout. side of the river from where the
Brown trout are the most common, but there will best depth and cover is located
be many streams that also contain brook trout and then cast as close to the fish
and resident rainbows. holding spots as you can. Re-
It is for sure that when stream resident trout trieve the plugs slowly for the (Left) The authors daughter, Terri Bedford with a spring brown trout. (Above) Retrieve plugs slowly
reach a large size, they become fish eaters. They most part so they act like smolts
will eat their own if minnows are not available. or wounded minnows strug-
for the most par t so they act like smolts or wounded minnows struggling with the current. Star ting
When young salmon and steelhead begin their gling with the current. Starting and stopping the retrieve is a good plan and many times adding twitches with your rod as you re-
trieve your lure will trigger a strike
migration down to the Great Lakes, they
become less cover oriented and thus are By Jim Bedford and stopping the retrieve
is a good plan and many lure toward the cover will also be helpful if you to neglect checking your knot and the line near it. Casting and
more vulnerable to predation. The resident times adding twitches with can do it by moving your rod but not your feet. retrieving lures can be tough on your knot and the end of your
trout take notice and really focus on these very hearty potential your rod as you retrieve your lure will trigger Many of the trout streams that salmon and line. Check your line and knot often and perhaps retie after
meals. The combination of a vulnerable source of food and a strike. The idea is to make the stickbait look steelhead reproduce in are small. They drain every good sized trout you catch.
streams which are usually up a bit with spring flows that offer like an easy, high calorie meal for the trout. directly to the lakes or, probably more often, Large trout are very cover oriented and will ambush smolts
the feeding resident trout extra protection gives trout anglers You can also very effectively fish minnow they are tributaries to larger streams that may from their hideouts. Examples of prime cover include logs
their best shot of the year at landing trophy trout. plugs from a floating craft in large streams and be too warm to support trout. When fishing with space under them, overhanging grass, bushes, or other
Minnow shaped plugs are very effective lures during the rivers. Again, planning ahead is important small trout streams, one of my favorite things vegetation, undercut banks, and riffled or choppy water sur-
smolt migration. They are most effective when cast across as well as making long casts. It will also be to do, it is rarely possible to get upstream faces. Water depth also provides protection but trout feed less
or quartering downstream and retrieved across or against the important to be quiet in the boat and try to keep from the trout without spooking them. If the efficiently when the water is deep. Retrieving your plug as
trout know you are present, there is very little close to as much trout-holding cover as possible will be a key
chance they will strike a lure. to your success. Often you will want to cast past the suspected
Thus, you must usually cast your minnow lair so that the lure is down and swimming when it passes the
plug upstream and retrieve it with the current. log or bush.
This makes hooking the trout that try to kill While some of the smaller, lighter minnow plugs can be
the stickbait first more difficult because you cast with the fly rod, I believe ultra-light spinning tackle is
cant leave it in place for them to circle back ideal for fishing smolt-imitating stickbaits for trout. With this
and grab. Also, Ive found that the plugs only tackle, you can cast light lures a fair distance and accurately
work well when you are fishing a fairly long land them close to good cover. A quality reel with a high
run or hole where you have a chance to get the retrieve ratio is very important as the reel is a big time work
lure down and give the trout a fairly long look. horse for cast and retrieve fishing. Pick a premium, highly
There are many pocket, nooks, and very short castable line in 6 or 8 pound test. My favorites are Trilene XL
runs that hold trout where the plugs wont work and Silver Thread AN 40 because of their fine diameter and
well. limpness. The drawback to them is a slight lack of durabil-
Weighted spinners and compact spoons ity or abrasion resistance but I solve that by changing my line
dont resemble smolts very closely but they do often. You only need to change the top 40-50 yards of work-
flash like the future salmon and steelhead do. ing line, so it is not a big expense to keep fresh line on your
So the solution for me has been to constantly reel.
switch back and forth between these lures For minnow plugs, I like those that suspend such as the Ra-
and minnow plugs as I fish upstream. Given pala Husky Jerk, Kinchou Minnow and the Rebel Holographic
the time, I think most big browns would hit a Minnow. They still float when they land so you can drift them
until they feel the weight of the fish before they set the hook. stickbait imitating a chinook smolt in a stream in May more into position before starting your retrieve. Then, when you
Big browns often do the same thing to a plug, sometimes readily than a spinner. But there are so many spots that you pull them under on the retrieve they will remain there if you
seeming to hit with their mouth closed. Waiting until you can fish better with a quick sinking spoon or spinner. In a need to pause them to entice a big brown that has made pass at
can feel the weight of the trout doesnt work quite as well couple miles of stream I will probably change lures 50 times. your lure to come back and grab it.
with the hard plugs as the trout may not hold on to the lures Cutting and retying would be way too time consuming so I use Finally, if some of your favorite salmon and steelhead
long enough for you to set the hook. So, often, setting the a small, black duo lock snap to attach my lures to the line. You tributaries are good trout streams but are also stocked with
hook with the first strike might be the best way to get hooked will want to use a snap for minnow plugs anyway as the loose smolts to supplement the natural reproduction that takes place,
up. attachment allows the best action from the lure. By the way, if give them extra attention with minnow plugs. Hatchery smolts
This kill before eating trait is a key reason to fish down- your chosen crankbait comes with a split ring, I suggest taking are usually stocked before they are ready to smolt to make sure
stream with plugs whenever the situation allows you to with- it off and using the snap as it is difficult to tie a good knot to they imprint to their stocking location. They mill around in
out spooking the trout. If you do fail to hook the fish you can the split ring. The split ring inherently has a spot with smaller the streams prior to smolting and then usually take their time
Large trout are very cover oriented and will ambush smolts from their hideouts. Examples of prime cover include leave or back the plug back down a bit to where the strike took diameter and sometimes the ends of the wire that is formed migrating. These fish are not stream savvy like their wild
logs with space under them, overhanging grass, bushes, or other vegetation, undercut banks, and riffled or chop- place and twitch it without moving it. This will often bring the into the ring can be sharp. brethren and thus are very vulnerable to predation by the larger
py water surfaces. Jim Bedford photos trout back out for the big meal it missed. Laterally moving the Because you are changing lures without retying, it is easy resident trout.n
46 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS WNW NEWS MAY 2017 47
Lets Get Outdoors:
SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS
GET YOUR
DEER & TURKEY
OFFICIALLY SCORED!
Go To: www.buckfax.com
Commemorative Bucks of Michigan P.O. Box 615 Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 Phone (517) 679-6226
Commemorative Bucks of Michigan is a non-profit organization that measures and maintains records on trophy class Whitetail Deer,
Black Bear, Elk and Turkeys, taken by fair chase in the state of Michigan. We use the Boone and Crockett method to score all three
big game species. Visit our web site to learn more and get connected to the latest in Michigan hunting. www.Buckfax.com
fishing in May
spawn hen
walleye that hit
a Rapala Deep
Down Husky
Jerk trolled be-
hind a Church
Tackle Stern
By Mark Martin
R
Planer.
emember before the down, when pursuing prey. When I
walleye season started spot a blob of bait on my Lowrance
on most inland waters HDS-12 Gen3 unit, which also has
last month, when the GPS and StructureScan HD capa-
options were anything bilities, Ill punch in a waypoint for
but plentiful? The future reference.
only possibilitythe only game in As Im trolling, Ill often iden-
townwas fishing the Great Lakes, tify four or five key schools of bait
from Michigan to Erie and beyond, and then troll between them. Some-
where the waters around the river times only one or two of the schools
mouths were the few exceptions are holding walleyes. You have to
open year-round. cover water to find out.
Well, Im here to tell you that Speed control and the proper
those places that were your only lures are keys to connecting. I troll
choice then are still great areas to with my four-stroke kicker, which
be this month. And the best thing is will push my big Lund at a slow
now that most inland waterways are crawl. My favorite speed during the
open, folks are forgoing the Great daytime is about 1.5 mph.
Lakes in lieu of targeting other wa- At this pace, I get solid action
ters; thus, you now have these large out of Rapalas Down Deep Husky
lakes to yourselves. Jerks, as well their new Scatter Rap
Which is why theres no time Deep Husky Jerks - both slim- TX-007 Stern Planers. ing motor that has quality batteries
like the present to hit the couple of shaped minnow baits that achieve And I always spool my trolling and will ease along at 1.0 mph. My
miles around the rivers and the reefs excellent depth; the former with a reels with 12-pound test Berkley 107-pound thrust saps little juice
and adjacent depths where walleyes light wobble and the latter an erratic Trilene XT for main line, and use from dependable Optima batteries.
once congregated for procreation action, but both triggering fish in a 10-pound leader of the same as a Now I can troll all night long with
last month. cold water. leader when using leadcore. plenty of power. When I have tried
And when covering water is at a If I cant get the suspended fish Small Fish trolling with the gas motor, Ive
premium and baitfish are in abun- going, or if I mark some big arcs Can Save the Day caught fish the first few passes and
dancewhich is the rule, not the near bottom, Ill switch over to my While the pinnacles of the reefs had them turn off because of the
exceptiontrolling is the ticket not ABU Garcia line-counter reel filled arent the place to be for big fish, noise. With the electric, I keep catch-
only to put a bait in front of more with 18-pound test Sufix 832 Ad- theyre the deal for hordes of males ing them.
predators, but, to stand out from the vanced Lead Core to get my crank- that congregate here, waiting for late To work up higher toward the
crowd of smelt, alewives and giz- baits within a foot or two of bottom. spawning hens to move in. Again, surface, I switch to No. 13 Original
zard shad that are here, as well. But I have to watch my Lowrance Ill keep an eye on my electronics, Rapalas on ABU reels filled with
And this is where the big wall- and pay close attention to the depth. and when fish are seen, get a jig 20-pound Berkley FireLine. Three
eyes live, often suspended over open The beauty of leadcore is that down into them. No. 7 split shots a few feet above it
water, feeding both day and night. if the bottom rises, I simply speed Almost anything goes if its a will get you down to 10 to 13 feet
For numbers, theres always the up and the line lifts (due to its think leadhead coupled with a GULP! with 120 feet of line out. Remove a
opportunity to hit the reefs with jigs, diameter) above the hump or ledge. minnow, but I side with Northland split shot or let out less line to move
where youll mop up on smaller Once past it, Ill count to 30 and Fire-Balls or Whistler jigs, with higher.
males that often stick around after then slow down and the leadcore their propellers, for added flash and I very seldom use planer boards
the spawn. will sink back into the walleyes hum. A little trick around a lot of at night, but if you must, keep small
boards close to the boat, just beyond
Sun Up range. small, aggressive walleyes is to put
your other rods, to prevent conges-
In my early years, fishing with Where to Look two Gulp! minnows on the hook -
the first one right side up, the second tion and bottlenecks with others troll-
my grandfather and father around On Erie, for example, prin- ing. Another reason to go without
the Muskegon Lake river mouth, ciples stay the same with bait and one upside down.
boards is the ability to pump the
This way, if one walleye snatch-
in Michigan, we caught monster speed control, but Ill often troll the
es one GULP!, theres another on Rapala forward and drop it back - a
walleyes trolling near the beach and edges of reefs where the big females
the hook in case the same fish comes key trigger.
around the pier heads late spring suspend. Here, where fish scoot Slowly ease the rod forward
back or another one moves in. The
through early summer. That pattern out when the boat goes over them,
best depths Ive found are from about 18 inches and drop it back on
still holds true, but since then Ive planer boards are incredibly impor-
eight to 15 feet. a tight line. I do this about 20 to 30
found even greater numbers within a tant to spread lines to the side. The times a minute. Keep it gentle, other-
two-mile radius of the river mouth. walleyes simply move right into the Night Moves wise youll pull the lure away from
And so it is from the Muskegon to path of the lures. At night, the waters come alive too many walleyes, which miss when
Eries Maumee. For running small crankbaits, I with even more monster eyes, feed- the bait has too much erratic action.
During the day, I start looking use Church Tackles smaller TX-6 ing under the cover of darkness. The May is indeed a month of feast
for bait with my electronics, and in-line planer boards, which are same trolling techniques are the way without the famine on the Great
then troll for suspended fish that about the size of a deck of play- to go, the prime technique to move Lakes. Now is the time to make
may be down, say, 10 to 25 feet. ing cards. Ill then boost up to the from one baitfish pod to another. But your move while others are on other
Most of the time Ill see the bait, but more sizable TX-12s with deeper, its important to make some adjust- waterways.
unless the walleyes are highly con- harder-diving crankbaits. In seri- ments. The reason: The fish do, too. Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Mar-
centrated, its seldom Ill see fish. ous wind, The Walleye Board, with After dark, walleyes tend to tin is a touring walleye tournament
Still, I put my lines out so my its accompanying ballast, rides the move higher in the water column, angler, as well an instructor with the
crankbaits are running atop the with waves no problem. For the up into the top 10 feet. Now is the Fishing Vacation/Schools. For more
schools of bait, since predators such crankbaits running directly behind time to switch from the gas kicker information, check out his website at
as walleyes tend to look up, not the boat, I use the newer TX-005 or to a powerful bow-mounted troll- markmartins.net.n
50 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Kayak Fishing Tournament...
A
s an Aging Michigan Outdoors- often adjacent to standing water. Too wet; no
man, I have pleasurably experienced morels. Slightly higher ground along creeks,
countless mushrooming excursions ponds, and lakes - especially where tag alder
and learned much about the mystical and poplar are present, offer good prospects. Old
morel mushroom. Prior to each season drained beaver impoundments scattered with the
I try to share some of these lessons remnants of dead and dying host trees are also
learned with my readers. A signifi- well-worth investigating further. A warm night
cant finding is one that is continually reinforced time rain during 50-degree nights often causes
season after season. Every serious mushroomer morels to pop where there were none before. The
has unique gathering experiences. As an outdoor early bird gets the worm or morels.
communicator I try to share more than enough
to facilitate your mesmerizing and pleasurable Growth-Enhancing
mushrooming experiences.
Few outdoor activities offer more benefits Minerals and Nutrients
than mushroom hunting. Here are some inter- For the most part; morels propagate over the
esting and informative facts and observations decaying root systems of host trees. Search the
that will help you derive your own conclusions drip line of each candidate tree. This drip line is
By Joe Lunkas
concerning the where, what, why, when, and how the furthest extent of the root system. When the
of productive morel mushroom hunting . tree was heathy and vibrant. This distance also
corresponds to the furthest extent of the trees ing. Determining bearing status of a potential
Soil Temperature crown of foliage in its prime. The sweet time for
gathering lasts for only about five years of the
host tree is not always that noticeable. The first
When the soil temperature, four inches down, things I look for in a new area are visibly stressed
reaches 47 degrees F, morel mushrooms really 20+ year tree decay process. Check often and trees. Loose and peeling bark and a narrower
start to pop. A common temperature probe ther- thoroughly at each site, record your observations and sparser than usual crown of leaves are dead
mometer can be a valuable tool in your knapsack. and findings in your log book and keep quiet. giveaways. Unusually light color of leaves and
After inserting the probe in the soil, wait about Over-harvesting is never a good thing. premature leaf loss also distinguish these active
five minutes to take a reading. Wide variations host trees from healthy non-productive ones.
will be found depending on sun exposure, soils Suitable Host Trees During the approximately 5-year morel-pro-
composition, and water content. Constant soil Morels can flourish over the decaying root ducing life of a tree, morel propagation will first
monitoring near known host trees and on south- systems of virtually any tree under the right occur some distance from the base of the tree, at
facing slopes will eventually put you in the right circumstances. Usually, the shallower the trees the outer dripline. Toward the end of the trees
place at the right time rather than just aimlessly root system the more likely. Elm, birch, poplar, productive cycle, fewer morels will be found
cruising back roads and woodlands; intelligent ash, apple, beech, and the common tag alder close to the main trunk of the tree. In the case of
patience is the key to success. Important and use- are prominent morel host trees in my stomping severely decayed trees, be sure to look under the
ful lessons will be learned. grounds in NW Lower Michigan. large shards of peeled bark found here.
In all cases except the tag alder, focus on dead As I systematically go through my areas, I
Water Content and dying trees. The tag alders root system is record the location of each morel-bearing host
Morels like growing on higher ground and very shallow and continually dying and spread- tree in my field log book. GPS coordinates are
52 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
LOG CABINS OF OLD
Fishing... Hunting... Or Just Simply
Solid Logs with Perma Chink
A Getaway between Cabin To Enjoy
FishiNature!!
ng
Just
Cedar or Pine Or
great. Host trees come and go over
time. Monitor them and continually
stature and inexhaustible energy will
make you tired just watching them. Solid
Fully Logs with Perma Chink between Hunting away Cabin
Insulated
Get
search for new ones. This is what I
mean by intelligent patience while
The gleam in their eyes, particularly
when they find their very first morel,
is precious and photo-worthy. This
Cedar or Pine
Front Porch or Side Porch Styles Available
Custom Built to Your Ideas!
Fully Insulated
Stained & Preserved
Sim ply
To E
A
njoy Nature!!
mushrooming.
phenomenon occurs at all ages. Front PorchtoorSurrounding
Delivered Side Porch Styles Available
6 States
Burn and Disrupted Soil As an Aging Michigan Outdoors- Custom
Stained
Built8totoYour
Sizes from
Single &and
Preserved
Ideas!
36 Long!!
2 Story Styles
It is no big secret that burn areas man with thousands of harvested
and disrupted soil areas, like in the
case with logging operations, are the
morels to my credit; my reward is
the creation of yet another Michigan
Delivered
Deliveredto&Surrounding
Sizes from 8 to 36 Long!!
States
Priced Fully Assembled
Relax
Single and 2 Story Styles
most prolific for morel growth. Each outdoors-person. Enjoy your experi-
season, savvy experienced mush- ences in the great Michigan wild
Delievered & Priced Fully Assembled
In Style!
roomers and commercial enterprises outdoors.
seek out and flock to these areas
with often phenomenal results.
The key to success is timing.
The best morel production occurs
the season following the burn or dis-
ruption. Focus your initial efforts on
the perimeters of these areas adja-
cent to tall, cooler standing timber.
Recently the DNR has started
publishing annual maps and in-
formation about burn and logging
disruption state-wide. Go to our
Michigan DNR website for access.
At up to $60 per pound in the
fresh state; there is aromatic gold
is those woodlands. Morels are
commonly sold to eager buyers
who in turn sell them to restaurants
and wholesalers world-wide. Or
pleasurably consumed or preserved
for future use by the mushroomers
themselves.
Poly Furniture and
Habits of Past Pickers Campfire Supplies and Rings
As is the case with other outdoor
pursuits like hunting and fishing,
particularly ice fishing, people
tend to congregate in bunches and Relax In Style!
relatively close to easy access areas.
This is particularly problematic for
mushroom hunters. Game and fish
simply move. Morels on the other When the soil temperature, four
hand simply become depleted. Over- inches down, reaches 47 degrees
harvesting will eventually eliminate morel mushrooms really star t
morels in vast areas of normally to pop. A common temperature
productive woodlands. probe thermometer can be a valu-
Each morel annually produces
millions of spores that could pro-
able tool in your knapsack. After
inser ting the probe in the soil, Standard Features
STANDARD FEATURES
duce more morels. If they come to wait about five minutes to take a Fully Insulated
rest in just the right location and reading. Carpeted Floor
Fully Insulated Silent Shadow Window Systems
under favorable conditions. Very Rodent Proof
Carpeted Floor Floor Peaked Roof
few do. The natural wind is the For more information about the All-Aluminum Exterior Upper And Lower Vents
Rodent Proof Floor
spore dispersion mechanism. It many lessons I have learned dur- Silent ShadowExterior
All-Aluminum Window Upper
SystemsInterior Shelf
takes up to five years for a morel ing 50 plus enjoyable years as an Peaked Roof
mushroom spore to germinate. Like outdoorsman, Google my name, and Upper And Lower Vents
wildflowers in a desert, spores can go to my Author Website to view Upper Interior Shelf
lie dormant for years waiting for just the Press Releases for each of my
the right conditions. No spores, no Trilogy of Books on Fifty Years
propagation. Get off the beaten path. of Lessons Learned of a Michigan 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana
Seek out remote areas and spot- Outdoorsman. Also regularly go to 260-768-7511
check past morel haunts each sea- my Author Joe Lunkas Fan Page. I -Open-
son. Again, when you find morels, post the very latest gathering, fish-
keep quiet and harvest responsibly. ing, and hunting information for - Open - 8-5
Mon-Fri
Your morel mushroom hunting
experiences can be highly enjoyable
NW Lower Michigan every Friday
by 5 pm. These books are specially
Mon-Fri 8-5Sat
Sat 8-3:30
8-3:30
for the whole family. Often you will designed and formatted to be read
discover that the young keen eyes of and enjoyed while actually in the
children, once properly instructed,
cannot be matched. Their smaller
outdoors and are available in both
print and EBook format.n
1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana 260-768-7511
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 53
Experience
Michigans trails
W
ith spring now adventure just in itself, with trails
sprung, a sleep- that run the gamut from paved, flat
ing Michigan surfaces to tough, rugged terrain that
giant is waking requires boots.
up and now is a Public lands provide a wide
great opportunity variety of experiences and levels
for residents and of difficulty, Yauk said. Put those Many DNR hiking trails run through state parks, like this one in Porcupine
visitors to see boots on and get out there. Mountains Wilderness State Park, where nearby campgrounds make them
it. Much like Gulliver, tied down Hiking is fun for everybody, a great weekend getaway destinations.
to the ground by the Lilliputians, family adventure. Take a friend, ask
when this giant awakes, the tendrils a neighbor. Grab someone you know velop more and more trail segments. perfect weekend getaway.
holding it stretch a great distance and take a walk or a hike, he said. More than $34 million in federal, The states trail system also
12,500 miles, in fact. Michigans natural resources are state and local funds have been includes several linear trails. Linear
However, this giant isnt Lem- second-to-none. Nows a great time invested in the trail since 2013. trails also called out-and-back
uel Gulliver, Paul Bunyan or even to see for yourself. The Iron Belle Trail is a or destination trails go from
Babe the Blue Ox. Its Michigans Hiking is a wonderful way to perfect example of communities one point to another and typically
growing system of designated trails, experience the states unique array and partners coming together for a follow an old railroad track, river or
ready for endless spring and sum- of scenic views, abundant wildlife, common reason to make this trail other land feature. They cover long
mertime opportunities to relax, have cultural resources and vibrant com- a one-of-a-kind destination, Yauk distances.
fun, travel, learn and explore. munities. said. More information about the
From hiking beside beautiful Trails are everywhere from The Michigan Natural Resources wide range of Michigan hiking trails
streams through the secluded forests local parks to regional or state parks Trust Fund approved about $5 mil- is available on the DNR website at
of the Upper Peninsula, to riding or trails. lion in grants for Iron Belle Trail www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.
side-by-side over a scenic trail in the Michigans Iron Belle Trail, for projects in December, and the DNR Aside from the chance to get
northern Lower Peninsula, to biking example, is the longest state-desig- recently awarded $350,000 in grant out and enjoy Michigans great
and kayaking and riding a horse, nated trail in the nation, covering dollars to 16 communities across outdoors, hiking trails also offer an
Michigan is known nationally as about 2,064 miles from Belle Isle in the state for further Iron Belle Trail easy and inexpensive way to get
The Trails State because our trails Detroit to Ironwood in the western development. some exercise.
system is giant. Upper Peninsula. The DNR encourages Scout Outdoor exercise has some
Fresh off the snowmobile and Featuring two routes, one for groups to hit the trail with the third unique advantages over a gym, ac-
cross-country skiing season, Michi- hiking and one for biking, the Iron annual Iron Belle Challenge, set for cording to DNR statewide recreation
gan Department of Natural Resourc- Belle runs through 48 Michigan Saturday, June 3. programmer Maia Turek.
es trails staff is ready for spring. counties and 240 townships, making The challenge, a hiking event There are plenty of reasons to
Its been a long, gray winter, it easy for anyone in the state to hit offered in conjunction with National take your workout outside, Turek
but things are springing to life on the trail. Trails Day, highlights the Iron Belle said. Enjoying natures scenery will
Michigans trails, said Paul Yauk, More than 1,200 miles of the Trail and offers Scouts the opportu- distract from your effort or fatigue,
the statewide trails coordinator for Iron Belle Trail are designated as nity to earn a commemorative patch so youll work out longer. Youll
the DNR. Its a new season. The hiking trails. for participating. burn more calories because the
birds are migrating north, animals On the western side of Michi- Last years hike attracted nearly varied terrain of a park or trail helps
are peeking out of forests, the gan, the hiking route mostly follows 1,100 hikers who trekked more than keep you out of a fitness rut and
morels are coming soon what the North Country National Scenic 6,000 miles. youll be happier breathing fresh
an amazing time to get out onto the Trail, traversing the west side of the The past two years we have air can create a feeling of euphoria.
trails and see what is out there. Lower Peninsula and bordering the had great participation from both the Opportunities to explore Michi-
Michigan is home to 12,500 south shore of Lake Superior in the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl gan on trails dont stop with hik-
miles of state-designated trails northern part of the Upper Penin- Scouts USA, said Ray Rustem, ing there are trails for a variety of
including both motorized and non- sula. DNR youth programs specialist. outdoor interests, including biking
motorized and more than 2,600 The Iron Belle Trail intended The Iron Belle Challenge has wel- and mountain biking trails, eques-
miles of rail trails (the most of any as Michigans signature trail comed Scouts to hike all over the trian trails, water trails and off-road
state in nation). continues to expand as partners state, in locations like Detroit, Battle vehicle trails.
Hiking in Michigan can be an throughout the state plan and de- Creek, Cheboygan and Ironwood, to Yauk said Michigan has some-
name just a few. thing to offer for everyone, espe-
Registration forms for the Iron cially in the spring.
Belle Challenge can be found at Its something you have to see
michigan.gov/dnrscouting. for yourself, he said. Michigan
In addition to the Iron Belle offers so many opportunities to get
Trail, Michigan offers a wide variety outdoors and walk or bike or kayak.
of hiking trails across the state. The We have 103 state parks to explore
DNR maintains many of these trails, and thousands of miles of trails.
which can be found in Michigan Michigan is waking up, and this is
state parks, on state forest lands or the season to see it.
within wildlife preserves. One caveat to keep in mind
Many of the DNR hiking trails before hitting the trail, Yauk added.
are called pathways because they If you mountain bike or ride horses,
loop through forests and along please avoid trails if they are very
ridges, rivers and lakes. Many of wet and muddy so as not to damage
the pathways are located near or the trails and the environment.
Michigans array of trail oppor tunities includes water trails for paddlers. are adjacent to state forest (rustic) For maps and other information
Here, kayakers paddle beneath the spectacular Pictured Rocks Cliffs in campgrounds and in state parks on Michigans trails, visit www.
Alger County. MDNR photos and recreation areas making for a michigan.gov/dnrtrails.n
54 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
World Class
Whitetails
Trophy Whitetail Deer
A 5,000 square foot lodge located in the heart of
Michigans Northern Lower Peninsula. We are
proud to offer some of the best whitetail deer in
the country. Our herd consists of several bucks
that gross over the 200 mark, with a few that
net over 200 typical! For hunters we offer hunt-
of-a-lifetime opportunities.
Our hunts are in a heavily forested area, located
along Lake Huron with Canada just across the
lake to the north east.
n B e r g sm a
Joh
Visit our website and find out about . . .
Destinations Fishing Reports
Our Show Cooks Corner
M
ichigans State Coun- that end, McMaster will help rep- Forever member, he is active in the
cil of Pheasants For- resent each chapter on a statewide Shiawassee Conservation Asso-
ever has elected Dan scale and advocate for more upland ciation, WTU Shiawassee, Durand
McMaster of Shia- wildlife habitat projects with state Sportsmens Association, NWTF
wassee County as its and federal partners. Timber Ghost Gobblers, National
incoming president McMaster currently serves on Rifle Association, DU Mid-Shia-
for 2017. McMaster will work to the Shiawassee County Board of wassee, Commemorative Bucks of
increase habitat projects throughout Commissioners and has been an ac- Michigan, and the Crooked Foot
the state, develop volunteer relation- tive committee member of the Shia- Hunt Club.
ships with state and Congressional wassee County Chapter of Pheasants Pheasants Forever, including
legislators, and continue to improve Forever since 2010, serving as the its quail conservation division,
the states R3 movement to recruit, chapters youth hunting coordinator. Quail Forever, is the nations largest
retain, and reactivate the next gen- His son, Aidan, currently serves on nonprofit organization dedicated to
eration of Michigan outdoorsmen Pheasants Forevers National Youth upland habitat conservation. Pheas-
and women. Leadership Council, advocating ants Forever and Quail Forever
Michigan represents a growing for kids from 12-18 years of age to have more than 149,000 members
stronghold for Pheasants Forever experience a lifestyle of conserva- and 720 local chapters across the
supporters nationwide with 32 local tion. It is not uncommon to find the United States and Canada. Chapters
chapters and nearly 9,000 mem- father-son team in the field during are empowered to determine how
bers. Since the inception of The the fall months, pursuing upland 100 percent of their locally raised
Habitat Organization in 1982, game birds. conservation funds are spent, the
those chapters of Pheasants Forever His previous employment only national conservation organiza-
have contributed $10.9 million for includes a 25-year career in politics tion that operates through this truly
wildlife habitat conservation efforts where he gained valuable experi- grassroots structure. Since creation
throughout the state. These dol- ence in the areas of public policy, in 1982, Pheasants Forever has
lars equate to over 71,000 projects communications, campaigning, spent $708 million on 517,000 habi-
impacting nearly 522,000 acres of grassroots advocacy and lobbying. tat projects benefiting 15.8 million
wildlife habitat improvements. To In addition to being a Pheasants acres nationwide.n
810.629.5325
GunsGalore@outlook.com
& More! Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-4pm
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 59
Saginaw Bays hot spring walleye bite
Lately Saginaw Bay is my favorite spring place to fish...By Michael Veine
S
aginaw Bay serves up sites they surveyed, I do know for
some of its best fishing sure that there is spawning going on
of the year during the at several areas on the west side of
spring. If this year is the Bay just from my fishing experi-
anything like last year ence catching them in the act and
with an early spring, my guess is that there is a lot more
then the fishing on the Bay will start open water spawning going on in
heating up in late March or early a lot more places too, all of which
April and as the spawn progresses, can make for good fishing locations
with more fish spilling out into the when the timing and conditions are
bay from the rivers, that fishing right.
picks up steam all though April and After the spawning activities
well into May right along with the are pretty much over on the Bay
warming waters. The walleyes move and in the Rivers, walleyes tend to
around a lot during the spring, so spread out more, but they do tend to
a savvy fishing strategy that takes gravitate to dirty water if available.
advantage of those seasonal migra- We have mostly very clear water
tions can put people on world class by Au Gres unless we get a lot of
fishing all through this period. spring rains that cause the rivers to
Last year we had some fan- flood silt into the Bay. Therefore, at
tastic walleye fishing out of Au that time of year I rely very heavily
Gres during late March and early on MODIS satellite images (https://
April. Unfortunately, I was fish- coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/
ing on Lake Erie during that hot region_map.html) to locate good
period and missed most of it, but I walleye waters then. I look for
certainly heard about it from other stained water that will appear tan or
fishermen who cashed in big-time green on the map and plan my fish-
with a catch of the biggest wall- ing locations accordingly.
eyes of the year along with regular, This is going to be fairly shal-
bonus salmon, trout and steelhead low fishing and many of the best
too. When I moved my boat to Au locations are over emerging weed
Gres in mid-April, the trolling bite beds, so fishing tactics should focus
was still going very good close to on suspended fish as the bottom
shore, but that only lasted for a short dictates. In those areas, I like to
period. With the unseasonably warm run a combination of crankbaits
water temperatures we had last year, and spinner/crawler rigs with Hot
the walleyes were sent packing to N Tots and Shad Raps being my
deeper water sooner than normal. favorite May cranks on the Bay. I
We then had to change over to spin- put crankbaits on my outside and
ner/crawler rigs and pick away at middle boards and then run crawlers
the lethargic fish on the bottom in off the inside boards along with two
waters from 20-35 feet deep. After flatlines off the gunnels. You can
rains, we also focused on dirty water add a little weight to the crawlers to
areas near the river mouths where This fisherman is all smiles after catching a couple big spring Sagi- take them to depth. I use light bot-
post spawn fish like to stage after naw Bay walleyes. Michael Veine photo tom bouncers or rubber core sink-
exiting the rivers. Another hot spot ers. Spoons will also work in these
for spring walleyes is where they spooking presence of the boat with put on by Sea Grant. One of the shallow, stained water areas, too,
spawn in the Bay. Church Tackle Walleye Boards. A presentations there was about reef after the water warms to the point
Many parts of Saginaw Bay precise trolling speed of 1.3 to 1.5 spawning walleyes on the Bay. A that walleyes will chase those faster
feature a shallow, gravel or rock mph was achieved with my Mercury Purdue University study showed moving lures.
bottom (less than 15 deep) and the 9.9 kicker motor and if the wind that there is a lot of spawning being As the water warms up, and more
burgeoning walleye population of blew us too fast, I would deploy done in areas outside the rivers, so weeds emerge in the shallows, the
the Bay now claims a lot of those one or two small drift socks to slow another study was conducted in four better fishing tends to move deeper
areas as spawning habitat during the things down to my target speed. We areas to assess how much, if any, and by early to mid-June, Im typi-
spring. I know of several huge areas didnt get any bites at the first spot, walleye spawning was happening in cally fishing exclusively in water
that have tons of male walleyes scat- but when we set up in spot number those locations. They conducted an over 25 deep. There, a spinner/
tered over these graveled shallows two we started getting hits right assessment of four known, his- crawler rig fished behind a heavy
during the spring, but with the clear away. The fish were all male wall- torical, walleye spawning areas by bottom bouncer is hard to beat, and
water conditions often found there, eyes leaking milt and all of them placing mats down on the lake bed this fishing pattern holds up until I
they are only fishable when there is were about the same chunky size in to collect eggs. change over to structure spots later
a fair chop on the water to mask the the 20 to 24 inch range. The action Another part of the study looked in the summer. Spring is my favorite
presence of the boat. was steady for hours until limits at stomach contents of known egg time of the year to fish, and lately
On May 5 we had ideal con- were in the live well and smiles eating fish too. They surveyed rocky Saginaw Bay is my favorite place
ditions for a spawning spot, so I were impregnated on everyones areas off North Island, Duck Island, for springtime fishing.
made the short run there and set faces. The only downside was clean- the Coreyon Reef and a site at the The author offers fishing charters
up without another boat in sight. I ing all the milt off the back of my Saginaw River Mouth and found specializing in Lake Erie and Sagi-
deployed a simple spread of spinner/ boat after the trip. evidence of walleye spawning at all naw Bay walleyes. Contact Mike
crawler rigs behind bottom bouncers Last spring, I attended a Saginaw sites. While I have never tried any Veine at www.trophyspecialists.com
taken way out away from the fish Bay fisheries workshop at Bay City early spring fishing at any of the or 734-475-9146.n
60 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
MICHIGAN'S
NUMBER 1
OUTDOOR
RADIO SHOW !!!
Be sure to listen to Mike
Averys Outdoor Magazine
on one of the following
radio stations each week! Air Time
Frequency SA (9 AM)
City 102.3 FM SA (5 AM) Mike Averys
Station HOUGHTON
WHKB
95.3 FM SA (5 AM) Outdoor
BATTLE CREEK 1260 AM SA (7 AM)
WBCK HOLLAND 1090 AM SA (7:30 AM)
Magazine
WPNW MUSKEGON 1490 AM has a
WKBZ SA (7 AM)
ADRIAN 1460 AM
WABJ BIG RAPIDS 1240 AM
SA (6 AM) tradition
SA (5 AM)
WBRN ISHPEMING 96.5 FM SA (6 AM) of keeping
WIAN HOLLAND
WPNW
1320 AM SU (6 AM) his listeners
MARQUETTE 98.5 FM SA (7 AM)
WDMJ HOUGHTON LA
KE
1380 AM SA (7 AM)
and viewers
WUPS PO RT HU RO N
1400 AM informed
WPHM AR IE SA (6 AM)
UL T ST . M 1450 AM
WKNW
SA
IRON MOUN TA IN
790 AM
SU (9 AM) and
SU (7 AM)
WMIQ SAGIN AW
1450 AM SU (5 AM) entertained.
WSGW ALPENA
WATZ LANSING
1320 AM SA (7 AM) Dont miss
1480 AM SA (7 AM)
WILS TAWAS 94.9 FM SU (9 AM)
any
WIOS ST. JOE 1450 AM of his
WSJM SA (9 AM)
NEWBERRY 100.5 FM M-W-F (12 PM)
WNBY SAGINAW 1360 AM
programs.
WSGW FM SA (7 AM)
CARO 98.7 FM SU (9 AM) Outdoor
WKYO LU INGTON
WLDN
D
580 AM SU (1 PM) Magazine
TRAVERSE CITY 1570 AM SA (5AM)
W TCM
FLINT 1600 AM SU (7PM)
is brought
WWCK ANN ARBOR 1340 AM to you by
WAAM S SA (5AM)
GRAND RAPID 1600AM
WJRW An n Arbo r
1340AM
SU (7PM) these fine
WAAM Grand Rapids companies.
do ors.com
Aver yOut
WJRW
w.M ike
ww
Woods-N-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
www.woods-n-waternews.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 61
Guest Column...By Joe Remenap
The cycle
starts again cious, he is at least a five-year-old
A
fter months of pole
barn meetings, both and looks to be in the 190 to 200 The author cant wait to get
at home and away, class, and if he isnt 300 pounds up to his proper ty and go
and all the tales of somethings wrong. How far out is to work with a Polaris 550,
the hunts that have he? Im ranging him at 847 yards. four foot drag behind disk,
repeatedly been told, Huh? a spike tooth drag and a
what comes next? Why its trout, The one that really got me going homemade cultipacker.
turkey and mushroom time. was the segment on small food plots
The cycle starts again! with folks that have 10 acres on a steal another mans mushrooms! A gel ring bologna, hardboiled eggs,
Handshakes, man hugs, mush-a- fixed income and outcome Lee and few years ago our friend across the venison sticks and jerky. At our
roons, horseshoes, ground to work Tiffany driving a 470 horse John road, a flatlander like us, asked if cabin there is no better two track
and maybe a few of last years blind Deere 9470 that spreads anywhere he could ride his Gator on our two snack. After we finish the horseshoe
placements are all part of the com- from 14 ft. to infinity and they are tracks. He had five acres so we told tourney, with as many as 20 taking
ing of the new seasons. All this will ready to do 1600 acres of private him to have at it. We did not find part, we all head back to the fire for
take place around new bonfire pits land, but we can hunt on it. Huh? a shroon for two years. His son sloppy joes etc.!
and age old deer camps. I cant wait to get up to our joined us the following year to a Turkey hunting in Wexford
Super Bowl is over, supposedly property and go to work with a Po- weekend trout opener at our friends County. Why do I have a problem
six weeks of winter left and weve laris 550, four foot drag behind disk, place for a horseshoe tourney, on the with this? They are like our deer;
got things to do. Even with a trace a spike tooth drag and a homemade way home I found out his dad put all few, far between and small. They
of snow left we can be gathering cultipacker made from an old water our hot spots in his GPS/phone. It remind me of coyotes, you see them,
firewood for the opener. My up tank. Thats fun right there! goes without saying that we had a you hear them, and you get them on
north buddy says the best firewood The hard part of getting ready little chat with daddy! camera but hardly ever get a shot
up north is pine, poppel and pal- for the trout is done. Now the fun Several members of our es- at them. Patience is my problem. I
lets. part begins. At least three differ- teemed group and their pals seem to will sit from sun up until about 9 or
There is fertilizer to make ready, ent camps will stop by to visit and think that hunting for mushrooms is 10 then abandon my plans and start
mowers and brush hogs to clean say hey. The length of their stay not for them. However, you should hunting for the majestic morel.
up, and disks to tighten and grease. depends on if they brought any. witness the explosion of energy This hunt provides me with an
Many times these chores are com- If not, they dont stay long. At our and the time it takes to make a two opportunity to see runways, old
pleted before the trout and turkey camp the idea of providing some pound sack of morels disappear buck rubs and if Im lucky, maybe
openers. Maybe about this time the adult refreshments for the local visi- when they are sitting on top of last a shed or two.
mushroom gods will shine down on tors is long gone. Our group tries falls backstrap. Remind you of The parting shot from my
us; some say they are all in Mesick? to follow the number one man-rule; anyone? view; I am watching Lee and Tif-
The best part of writing this if you visit another camp and take The real work begins when ev- fany again, Tiffany anyway, while
story of the upcoming spring fes- a case of beer with you and you are eryone hops on a four wheeler, side- they are turkey hunting. They are
tivities is that I dont have to watch there longer than 20 minutes, that by-side or a jacked up golf cart and covering a set of decoys, then from
the 15 minute long shows on the case is not yours anymore! wants to see where you shot your behind the dekes a full strut Tom
outdoor channel anymore and thank Most crews stop by because they buck and check out your food plots. appears and he is on a small four
the almighty we wont have to listen know they are welcome. You can These are the guys that get it! They wheel remote controlled device
to, How many encounters did you always tell by the handshakes and are the bringers not the takers and circling the hens. Cant make it up
have today? How many did you the now common man hug. Man we always have fun. Its like Larry, folks, I have seen it all.
harvest? Yes! Yes! Yes! Just give hugs are good, they show mascu- the cable guy says, If you dont Have a great time at your camp
me a minute, thats what Im talking linity, friendship and the good old like this kind of stuff get the h--- out this spring.
about! I smoked him, I smoked him! how have you been since last fall. of here. If you are planning your fall
We gotta back out. Or the camera Man-rule number two - never give a This event usually culminates cycle why not jot down Thursday,
trying to focus on Stan Potts blue man-hug to someone in a bar you do back at our fire pit, sure we cel- Nov. 2, 2017 for Plaid Shirt Night
eyes. not know! ebrate the new cycle, sure we have at Capac High School. Fred Abbas
One of my favorites; Oh gra- Man-rule number three - never better beer, but we also have Koe- and son Greg will be our guests.n
CLEARANCE
handwrites letters anymore? Do
they even teach how to handwrite What are the odds? First you happening are about as much as me
in schools anymore? The letter have to realize the flow and current getting another handwritten letter.
was written by Paul Kazmierski, of of the river, not to mention the ob- But please, by all means, keep the
Grand Rapids. He even referred to structions on the river bottom. Have stories coming, email is fine, this is
me as Mr. St. Germain. Obviously, fun. On ALL Fireplaces,
Stoves and Inserts
you ever played that stupid crane
Pauls letter took center stage and game where you have to maneuver Funny fish stories wanted:
the rest of your emails and text mes- the clamp and try to lift a stuffed Strangest thing youve ever caught
sages were put on the back burner. animal out of the pile of stuffed Send a short description of your
What was amazing is that I was animals? Now imagine playing that best or worst fishing day, or worst
actually able to read Pauls hand- game and having air currents con- fishing-related adventure to me. Since 1979
writing, or at least I think I was stantly blowing the clamp as youre You dont have to write the entire Largest Selection
reading it right. The core of Pauls trying to lower it down on a stuffed story, just a brief outline of what Wood/Gas/Pellet/Corn Stoves
actual story is pretty unbelievable, animal to grab it, then, whipping happened. If it has some humor to it Fireplaces/Gas Logs/BBQs
Hearth Accessories,
so I had to really make sure I was it around if youre lucky enough Ill be getting in touch with you and Patio and More
reading what he wrote correctly. to grab one as youre trying to lift well work on the completed story WE SELL PELLETS
Paul has caught a bat while fly it out. Now do it blindfolded. But together. www.emmettsenergy.com
L E
fishing, but he didnt go into much
QG
ers cramp and all. So much easier
CONSCIENTIOUS
Wednesday, APRIL 26TH AT 12 NOON
BB
going into detail typing rather than
chicken scratching on paper. Wait TIMBER BUYER
we still have paper?
Paul wrote, yes wrote, about
Coldwater, MI
catching a salmon in Manistee Lake,
but he had not actually hooked the LAND CLEARING
fish he caught. Evidently, the fish AND MOBILE GRINDING Let us install a
had been caught before and broke beautiful high efficiency
off leaving a lure in its mouth and a AVAILABLE gas, wood or pellet insert!
bunch of line still dangling behind SELLING OVER 300 FIREARMS ROMEO WATERFORD
it. Somehow, Pauls line got tangled G&D Wood Products Inc.
12862 S. Hillsdale Rd. AND RELATED ITEMS AT 70790 Van Dyke 4994 Dixie Hwy.
in the excess line still drifting from Camden, MI 49232 PUBLIC AUCTION. Romeo, MI 48065 Waterford, MI 48329
the fishs mouth. In the process, Paul 877-836-6388 877-936-6388
was actually able to land the fish Office: 517-254-4463 For more info, go to TOLL FREE TOLL FREE
without actually hooking it, and as Fax: 517-254-4404 www.BelcherAuction.com or Call 269-781-7100 STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm Sat. 10am to 4pm Closed Sundays
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 63
Creating the maximum combination
BOW AND FIREARM KILL PLOTS
By Mr. Food Plots...Ed Spinzzola
I
farmed 400 acres as a cash
crop operation from 1981-
2006 in Gladwin and Clare
Counties. We owned a total
of 650 acres, which leaves
areas opened for hunting.
My early youth was as a farm boy
in Pinconning. My formal train-
ing is in Industrial Manufacturing
Engineering. I never lost my interest
in farming. I have a reputation of
not following standard practices, or
thinking out of the box. I owned and
ran an engineering design company
for 33 years. Putting together my in-
terest in farming and a never ending
quest for improved hunting expe-
riences with many trial and error
land improvement programs over
the last 35 years has given us a few
answers. This was not a lonesome
endeavor. We had many inputs from
too many to mention and we thank
them again.
Deer, Especially Older
Bucks Demand Cover
You want to shoot a buck? If you The author standing in the bow kill area with the fine growth young soys, shor t forage sorghum, sugar
are not especially concerned about beets, brassica and the not yet tall enough grain. The firearm kill plot is just beyond him.
taking a big racked buck and a four get first crack at them before they on a hapless and stubborn 1-1/2 year diameter. The same practice may be
point yearling will do, then mini- leave and you have sight of them old buck. This is not the story with applied to more serious swamps.
mum maintained deer range will in your area before they bed in the older bucks, and the older the buck Clear cuts within our many
probably work for you. early morning. the more serious their need for good forests create cover and forage with
If you want to harvest a big Does will bed as close to pre- cover. You may have the sweetest the regrowth. Aspen grows well in
buck, then you might need to join ferred forage as possible. We have kill plot in the area, but if sufficient Michigan with many forests having
a hunt club that has a land and deer noted doe bedding within 20 feet of cover is not available on your land aspen growth being primary. Having
management program thats into a soybean kill plot. This is not the he may go a mile or more for bed- a clear cut and leaving no more than
serious Quality Deer Management, case with bucks. Young bucks (1-1/2 ding satisfaction. If the big buck eight mature trees, (primarily oak)
(QDM). If you hunt on private land year olds) are not too picky about is bedding a mile away from your per acre for mast, wildlife shade or
and the owner is into QDM seri- their bedding spots. Some yearlings sweet kill plot, your neighbor gets tree blinds, then making a recut 35
ously, then its just a matter of time are still with doe family groups and first crack at him just before he beds years later works real well. Creat-
before you connect. No matter the may hang around until mid-October and in the morning. That big buck ing a continuous aspen clear cut can
location, public or private, cover is when mom has her eye on a 4 1/2 left your land while it was still dark. be as good as it gets. This practice is
key to hold bucks on the property year-old wanderer with romance in Your neighbor gets first crack again where you have seven selected areas
during daylight. If they are on the mind. She can get unreasonable. I just before he leaves in the evening of nearly the same acreage and clear
land you hunt during daylight, you have witnessed a doe drawing blood heading towards your kill plots. I cut one of the seven areas every five
dont like those percentages. years. The 35th year you will clear
cut the first area again. You have
Make his Bed created an awesome continuous for-
There is much natural cover in age and cover program forever. You
our private, state and federal for- do not need to clear cut your total
ests. Most lowlands with its brush, forest area. If you had 100 acres
sedges, forbs, tall grasses, and think seven areas of 10 acres each
evergreens afford serious cover. It is with 30 acres of forest for future
common to find small knolls, knobs programs, with 1,000 acres think
and small islands within lowlands. seven 40-60 acre areas with leaving
These soil rises are where deer will 580 -720 acres for a variety of forest
bed, Deer do not bed in the water. programs. The above program can-
If you have promising lowlands not be any better to maintain forever
but not much in soil rises, wait for a grouse paradise within your land
mid-summer when the water table area. Also creating a kill plot within
lowers enough and it appears to be these clear cut areas works fine.
safe to drive a tractor, now dump a While youre at it create a water
bucket full of dirt within. You may hole or two within the clear cuts and
create several man made big buck keep those deer on your land.
beds. Make sure it is around 12
inches above the high water level, Make Your Own Cover
View from bowstand showing bow area forage. rake it smooth and at least six feet in The land we hunt in Gladwin
64 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
County consists of 170 acres with Make a guess and go to the center of
100 acres tillable. The land we hunt the firearm plot and on and on. The
in Clare County consists of 160 firearm kill plot shown is 1 1/2 acres
acres with 30 acres tillable, 90 of in size. The photo alone should be
the 130 acres of tillable land was enough for directions.
put into the federal CRP program Beyond the firearm area you
in 1996, 40 acres was for food plots will need to seed 2-3 acres of RR
since 1981. The 90 acres of open field corn normally just to save
tillable land wasnt doing much as your kill plots from extinction.
far as improving our hunting experi- The actual size of this extra corn
ences. With CRP we now could depends on your deer density. The
create tall switch grass wildlife photo shows in the background this
cover along with wildlife forage of normal seeded field of corn. In this
legumes, (clover, alfalfa, birdsfoot site there is 20 acres of our combi-
trefoil and chicory). It took a few nation, (Wildlife Cover and Forage
years to experience progress, but Blend) surrounding the kill plot, Reed Van Wormer and his fine chocolate antlered buck taken 10
progress we now see. We cannot which deer use to bed or travel from days after plot being sweetened and the soybean leaves are gone!
see the deer as they bed within the the neighboring woods to their fate. spray RR three weeks after seeding. firearm kill plots. More detailed in-
switchgrass, but when we see 20 This 120 acre area was farmed by We now add additional seed formation can be found on our web
deer come from several directions us until 1996. We can use the same soon after the bow plot spraying. site for the sweetening thing, the
and appear within the ultimate corn corn planter, and with adjustments, Around the first of August broadcast proper fertilizer and timing.
based kill plots we know where they seed the same day a blend of RR no more than three lbs. of a bras- All of the seed types mentioned
came from. These are open areas sugar beets mixed with soybeans in sica blend for both firearm and bow are recommended for good reason.
that were farmed for years. One of the firearm kill plot set at a lower fields. For the bow kill plot only Variety of forage is key for our
these sites has six acres of red pine seeding depth broadcast 6-8 lbs of buckwheat per deers nutrition needs. Corn cannot
planted in 1994 along the property Creating the Ultimate acre. Around the first of September be beat as cover for deer, its also
edge. We put a shed blind within the
pines on a platform five feet high
Corn Base Bow Kill Plot broadcast 20-30 lbs of a grain blend, great as an attractant and winter
We plant this bow kill plot right (oats, rye grain and winter wheat per carry-over forage.
and added fake Christmas trees. It next to the firearm site and for a acre) for both firearm and bow kill Sugar beets become more attrac-
absolutely works. Walking or driv- good reason. We are planting the plots. Two weeks before the bow tive to deer as the season moves on,
ing through acres of the combina- same seeds as we did for the firearm opener do the sweetening thing. This (up to 20 % sugar content) and no
tion switchgrass and forage fields, plot but later. Deer cannot resist is broadcasting and spraying nitro- forage is more digestible than sugar
(cover) after the firearm seasons is young and growing soybean leaves. gen fertilizer only in the bow site beets, the fall cool nights and cool
quite the experience. Travel lanes Come the bow opener the soybeans and as far as you can safely shoot but bright sunshine days encourages
crisscrossing throughout and deer in the firearm site are near maturity that arrow. This fertilizer applica- the production of sugar going to the
beds galore. If walking in the deer with much less deer use, while the tion is in addition to the amount and root system. Sugar beets are the best
lanes you stepped in their droppings. soy bean leaves in the bow kill plot type broadcast prior to the seeding winter carryover forage available
Creating the are at their prime attractiveness. Add the corn and tilled four inches deep and they are 95% digestible.
Maximum Combination the sweetening mentioned below which should be followed from the Nothing beats young soybean
We have covered this subject and you have the deer running from soil test recommendations. If no soil leaves especially if they have been
in some detail in previous articles, the cover, the normally seeded field test; think of broadcasting 350 lbs. sweetened. A brassica blend and
such as the June 2016 WNW News corn and the firearm kill plot area. 19-19-10 per acre, followed with grain blend is awesome for the late
publication, (Sugar Beets and Corn) Note; the soybeans seeded in mid- broadcasting 100 lbs. urea, 46-0-0 seasons. A forage and cover blend
but not an ultimate maximum com- May in the firearm plot are protect- per acre in mid-June for the firearm helps keep the deer on your land.
bination bow and firearm kill plot. ing the soys seeded later in the bow site. As noted, wildlife cover and forage
The photo of me standing in the site big time. This is a major point We mentioned above how the blend works fine in an open area
bow kill area of the above described of this set up for fantastic success in later seeding of soybeans in the bow such as open farm land which usu-
combination plot tells us much. the early bow season. site increases your odds for the early ally is a lost cause.
The firearm kill plot is just beyond Around the first of July we will time of the bow season, note that The above works better in a
me, which should be seeded around do the above for the bow kill plot, the addition of buckwheat adds to forest if the soil can grow corn
May 5-15 depending on latitude. It yes plant corn with two rows aimed that early time success. Also for the and soys. Except that deer hit it
starts 50 yards from a camouflaged at the blind leaving sufficient spaces later season when the frost kills the harder and depending on your deer
shed blind that is just inside a pine between the sets of two rows and soys and buckwheat you still have density you may need to clear a
grove. Note the seeding set up of the seed as much as you want. The the brassica blend, the grain blend minimum of 10 acres of woods for
firearm kill plot field corn. Start- size of this type of bow kill plot and the effects of the sweetening success.
ing about 150 yards from the blind works better if large versus small. thing. It is advisable to plant four Note the close up photo at the
we will seed two rows of Round The same day seed the blend of RR or more apple trees about 40 yards bottom of page 64 where I was
up Ready, (RR) corn aimed about sugar beets and RR soybeans. You from the blind and make it a vari- standing with the fine growth young
six feet to the right of the center of will find out that the two rows of ety of semi dwarf apple trees. They soys, short forage sorghum, sugar
the blind. Turn around to the left corn seeded normally, (30 inches should start producing great attrac- beets, brassica and the not yet tall
and set the rig to seed back. Leave apart) will have more deer within tive fruit within four years. Protect enough grain, which was the day
around eight feet of open space from these rows than the larger open them with a trunk wrapping two feet we sweetened that bow site. Note
the row seeded and the new one to spaces. Security is their game and high and surround them with five too sugar beet seeds are legal and
be done going back. Use the track there is nothing that gives deer more feet high 2-inch by 4-inch welded anyone can plant them anywhere
left by the tractor tire as a guide, security than two narrow rows of wire fencing. It comes in 100 feet anytime.
now set the same tire about three corn. But with the above set up length rolls. Cut into seven lengths Keep the fun in hunting!
feet to the right of it. You will need you can see the deer being at total of 14-feet 3-inch long for a 4-1/2 Ed Spinazzola, is an associate
to get off the tractor and check the ease. The above bow kill plot is one feet diameter gage and anchor with for Tony LaPratts Land Manage-
open space between the two inside acre. Everything we have seeded is two tent stakes. ment. For more information call
rows. Adjust if needed and go back RR and spraying is needed. For the Last But Not Least 586-784-8090 and/or see our web
straight as an arrow. Go to the other firearm sites you should spray RR We have covered the basics of sites www.deerattraction.com or
side of the kill plot and do the same. at least twice. For the RR bow site the ultimate combination bow and www.tonysulm.comn
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 65
Letters, My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions...
W
ith the passing of information age, they have maps on-
winter, snow- line that people can easily access.
mobile season Finally, private land. This is
comes to a where the issue really becomes
close. But, in the complicated. One problem is that
spirit of spring, many people think that because they
the death of one sport means the rode a snowmobile across a trail in
opening of another. Here, up in the the winter, they are allowed to do so
U.P., snowmobiling has pretty much in the summer.
come to an end. Its still snowing. On this, DNR EUP Trail Spe-
But, not enough to ride. Also, snow- cialist Paul E. Gaberdiel explained,
mobile season officially ends the last On private land, we negotiate con-
day of March. With that, ORV riding tracts and easements for snowmo-
takes the forefront of recreational bile trails. Those contracts run from
motor sports. December 1 through March 31.
Now, unlike snowmobiling, Other than that, its up to the land-
there is no set season for ORV rid- owner to allow or not allow ATVs to
ing. There is no actual date the sea- use a trail or road. If a land owner
son opens or closes. Roads and trails does not give permission, and you
that are open to ORVs are open all cross their land, you are guilty of
year long. But, spring always brings trespassing.
a surge in interest and everyone al- On the same subject, for lands
ways asks the question, Where can that come under the Commercial
i ride my ORV? Forest Act, there is no provision to
It sounds like a simple question. automatically allow ATVs, or any
But, the answer is very complicated. motorized vehicles for that mat- to just pay the ticket. ing, the DNR now requires a permit
That is because there are a variety ter, to cross. The CFA specifies that There was an incident a few and trail sticker to ride on trails. In
of property owners involved. First, people can access the land and use years ago where an ATV rider was general, if you are riding only on
there is the state. On state trails and it for hunting, fishing, etc. However, riding somewhere they werent private property, you do not need a
roads, in the UP., they are open un- it does not specify that access be supposed to be. And, of course, got sticker or permit. However, if you
less posted closed. via a motorized vehicle. Nor does it stuck. And, of course, had to have are riding on state trails or roads,
Next, on Federal Forest Land, state the access be easy. Your access a friend come in and pull them out. you do. The cost is $26.25 for the
the exact opposite is true. Namely, rights on CFA land may involve And, of course, this was in a very license and $10 for the trail sticker.
they are closed unless posted open. a walk of miles to get to a lake or wet and muddy area. And, in the This was started per a request from
Finally, there is private land. stream. process, they made quite the mess. the ATV community as a way to
Here, it is up to the individual land One last thing that Gaberdiel And, they also drew the notice of generate funds to maintain and ac-
owner to make a decision whom he noted was, You are responsible law enforcement. Who ticketed quire trails. As with snowmobiling,
or she allows on their lands. This to know where you are. What them. And, the Judge gave them the money raised goes directly into
also includes land that is included he meant by this is that if you are a fine. But, our local Judges up the program. They are available on-
in the States Commercial Forest riding somewhere you are not here have a nice sense of right and line, at DNR offices, or at participat-
Act. supposed to be riding, and a DNR wrong. As well as a love of nature. ing agents.
The reasons are complicated. CO, Sheriffs Deputy, or other law The nice Lady Judge charged them For more information about
First, on state land, the state has enforcement officer pulls you over, damages for the mess they made. To ATV riding in this area, Gaberdiel
designated trails as well as roads saying, I didnt know, will prob- the sum of over $20,000. Think that asked that persons stop in at the
that are open to ORVs. In addition, ably not get you out of a ticket. one over before you go off trail. DNR District Office in Newberry,
to further complicate the issue, there And, for those of you with deep- One last thing; it must also be or they can even call him personally
is also a designation between ORVs er pockets who might be inclined pointed out that, as with snowmobil- there at 906-293-5131.n
(Which includes the quad bikes, side
S
urvey research shows that American
hunters most often name the meat
as their most important reason for
hunting, and that the percentage of
hunters who hunt mainly for the
meat continues to grow. Responsive
Management, which has tracked hunting partici-
pation for almost three decades, recently released
the latest results of a survey question put to U.S.
hunters since 2008. Asked to choose their single,
most important reason for hunting from a list that
included for a trophy, to be close to nature, to be
with family and friends, for the sport or recre-
ation, or for the meat, about two in five hunters
nationwide selected the latter reasonby far the
most popular answer. (While research shows that
hunters hunt for numerous reasons, this question
was designed to identify their top reason.)
Rather than any new development, this find-
ing is instead the latest data point in a continuing
trend. Whereas the sport or recreation was the
most popular reason for hunting roughly a decade
ago (when about one in three hunters gave this
answer), hunters beginning in 2013 have most
often named the meat as their primary motiva-
tion for going afield. And while the percentages Hunting for the meat has increased substantially as the most impor tant reason for hunting over
of hunters naming one of the other three reasons the past decade, increasing from 22% to 39% of hunters nationwide.
have declined or remained flat over the past de-
cade, the proportion of hunters who say they hunt The locavore movement has grown to the point Voice and The Future of Hunting and the Shoot-
mostly for the meat has almost doubled. that fish and wildlife agencies are beginning ing Sports had been key in my research, but it
The reasons for this emphasis on game meat to take seriously the recruitment and retention wasnt until they crunched some numbers that I
as a primary motivator for hunting participa- potential of this new category of hunter. Re- realized there was an opportunity to reach out to
tion range from the economic to the sociocul- sponsive Management recently worked with this new demographic. The statistics were essen-
turalthe shift cannot be attributed to a single the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife tial to the film.
reason alone. An important benefit of hunting is Agencies (SEAFWA) Committee on Hunting, LeMaire also notes the positive reception
its potential as a source of food that hunters can Fishing, and Wildlife-Related Participation and the film has enjoyed among non-hunting foodie
acquire themselves in a cost-effective manner. the Midwestern Association of Fish & Wildlife crowds. So far, the film is proving to be a great
During times of economic downturn, such as the Agencies (MAFWA) Recruitment and Retention eye opener to non-hunters who seek alternatives
recession that gripped the country for much of Committee to evaluate the outcomes of a series of to factory farmed meat. The experiential style
the last decade, hunting is an attractive option for pilot programs designed to promote hunting and of the film invites non-hunting audiences to live
putting food on the table. Certainly, this perspec- fishing among young adults in urban/suburban their first kill through the journey of the three
tive is represented to some degree within the sub- settings. The programs targeted individuals who teens. Because the adolescents are so authentic,
stantial percentages of individuals who, over the were interested in locally grown or organic foods. one cant help identifying with them.
last several years, hunted primarily for the meat. The locavore movement was also examined She continues, Weve had youth and adults
Another reason for the uptick in hunters who in Hunting, Fishing, Sport Shooting, and Archery stand up after a screening sharing their transfor-
went out mostly for the meat is the locavore Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation: A mation, and people choking up saying that they
movement, a growing national trend reflecting Practitioners Guide, a new handbook produced had never understood their father or brothers
interest in eating locally and taking a more active by Responsive Management and the National hunting habits until now, and that, at last, they
role in the acquisition of food, especially organic, Shooting Sports Foundation. The handbook, felt reconciled.
free-range, chemical- and hormone-free meat. which covers recruitment, retention, and reac- An Acquired Taste is the winner of a Best
Through the locavore movement, individuals tivation (R3) strategies and issues consistent Youth Film award and screened at the American
from nontraditional hunting backgrounds have with the ones identified in the National Hunting Conservation Film Festival, the San Francisco
flocked to lessons and seminars offering instruc- and Shooting Sports Action Plan, also features a Green Film Festival, the Colorado Environmental
tion on how to hunt and process game meat. series of on-the-ground vignettes written by R3 Film Festival, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival,
Locavore hunters are often educated millennials professionals and academics. Several of these and many more. Today, a number of state fish and
who hail from urban and suburban areas; lack- vignettes focus on the potential for people to be wildlife agencies are considering integrating the
ing traditional hunting mentors, they nonetheless recruited into hunting through locavore motiva- documentary into their conferences, hunter edu-
have been moved to take up hunting as adults for tions. cation programs, and fundraising events. From
reasons of self-sufficiency, health, sustainability, Finally, the growth of the locavore movement rural residents who have stalked game their entire
or a desire to reconnect with nature. has become important enough to warrant ex- lives to urban millennials who have only recently
The growing popularity of the locavore ploration in a recent documentary. An Acquired become locavores, an increasing number of hunt-
movement is perhaps best exemplified by the fact Taste, a new film from producer/director Vanessa ers today are heading into the field first and fore-
that Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook and LeMaire, follows three teenage locavores as they most for the meat. This latest research on hunter
an icon of the millennial generation, has taken decide to learn how to hunt as a way of connect- motivations reconfirms the value of hunting as a
up hunting as a means of procuring his own meat ing with the source of their sustenance. source of sustainably harvested organic meat, in
(Zuckerberg was recently quoted as saying that Without the data, I never would have sus- addition to its economic, recreational, social, and
food tastes doubly better when youve hunted pected there was a trend this big, says LeMaire. naturalistic benefits.n
the animal yourself). Responsive Managements The Sportsmans Prepared by National Shooting Sports Foundation
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 67
Letters, My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions...
Saginaw Bay needs to return the favor
Dear Woods-N-Water News: are doing it isnt working, self- submit that they take the 50 mil- ing state wide be done after July,
The MDNR announced they sustaining spawn is supposed to be lion eggs from Saginaw Bay, there the DNR biologists admit these
will start the Muskegon River the goal right? would be no loss to the hatcher- little ones are a crap shoot to
walleye egg take Monday, March The Muskegon strain of ies, let the walleyes spawn in the plant. You may lose some to
27. They will take 50 million eggs walleyes used was considered Muskegon unmolested, stock with cannibalism but you get more
to be stocked at various places the heartier strain in the lakes to Saginaw Bay walleyes just like survivors. When they started the
around the state. Since the wall- restore the Saginaw Bay fishery. Saginaw did. Saginaw Bay needs Muskegon walleye pond in 1978
eyes in the Muskegon havent had Which everyone knows worked, to return the favor, it can handle a they could fin clip the walleyes
a good spawn since the 1950s, they now have too many wall- loss on 50 million eggs, the Mus- stocked in July, you cant fin clip
adults according to DNR are eyes, but this hearty strain still not kegon cannot. in June unless you to want to stock
mostly stocked fish, the way they getting a good spawn at home. I I would also suggest the DNR a half a walleye! Fifty million
return to stocking the walleyes in eggs is a lot of potential walleyes,
July for better chance for survival. Saginaw Bay no stocking required
Since 1986 the DNR has stocked now!
Muskegon in June and after 31 Sincerely,
years its obvious it isnt working. Tom Matych
I would suggest all walleye stock- Twin Lake, MI
IR2,000EAGunsRinMStockS
TOTAL FOver
INDOOR GUN RANGE
Hand Guns, Long Guns, Muzzleloading,
Reloading Supplies, Ammo, Archery & Accessories
CASH FOR USED GUNS INDOOR GUN RANGE
GUNS, NEW & USED CCW COURSE GUN SAFES (In Stock)
Full Line of Gunsmithing NRA Certified Instructors
www.Containers4Sale.com
Expo Ctr US.31 & M-22 3055 Shirley Drive Blue Water Convention Center 700 E. Ash
I-75 @ Exit 136 Jackson, MI Grand Rapids
Novi
Cheboygan Ice Arena Suburban Collection Showplace
28th St. Showplace
480 Cleveland 1256 28th St. S.W. Wyoming 46100 Grand River
Monroe County Harrison
Fairgrounds Kalamazoo: County Fairgrounds Cadillac: Wexford Arena Clare County Fairgrounds
MBT Expo Center 2900 Lake St. 131 & 13th St. 418 Fairlane
68 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Fishing for answers:
Heres how you can help Great Lakes fisheries
Michigan Sea Grant is offering anglers a variety of ways to contribute information to scientists...
By Dan OKeefe, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Sea Grant
A
nyone who fishes the
Great Lakes regu-
Salmon Ambassadors: fish stomachs after a trip that is fine,
but if you collect one stomach you
gmail.com or recording them using
the Great Lakes Angler Diary app.
larly can tell you that Where are should collect all of them by doing Just be sure to include the follow-
the only constant the wild salmon? the following. 1) Cut the esopha- ing on your screen display in each
is change. Fish are Since 2013, volunteers have gus and cut the intestine to remove bait ball image. Date, Time, Depth,
here today and gone been measuring Chinook salmon and stomach. 2) Place stomach and all latitude and longitude
tomorrow. Being successful requires checking for adipose fin clips that contents into plastic freezer bag. 3) Fish finder sensitivity should
adaptability, patience, and the ability indicate stocked fish. These Salmon Write all required data on a data tag. be set so that you are certain marks
to anticipate how fish will react to Ambassadors have committed to 4) Place the tag into the bag with the do not represent clouds of plank-
changes in their environment. collecting data on each and every corresponding stomach. 5) Seal the ton or suspended debris. Images
To make things even more Chinook salmon caught from their bag carefully to prevent spilling. 6) should clearly depict large schools
complicated, a long list of non- boat during the fishing season. Data Place the bag in one of the freezers of bait`fish, as opposed to images of
native species has invaded the lakes. sheets for pen-and-paper record- located at access sites in Michigan scattered bait or individual large fish.
Quagga mussels filter the water, ing, along with full instructions, are and Wisconsin. These images may be useful in help-
leaving open water clear and sterile available at www.miseagrant.umich. Lists of freezer locations are ing biologists determine where and
while fouling the bottom of the edu/salmon-ambassadors/. available from Michigan DNR and when alewife and other baitfish are
lakes with their waste. Round gobies To date, more than 8,000 Chi- Wisconsin DNR, and volunteers most abundant.
eat the quagga mussels and are, in nook salmon have been logged by from Michigan Steelheaders will be
turn, eaten by predatory fish. Spiny Salmon Ambassadors around Lake maintaining stomach collection sup- Support for
water fleas kill and consume native Michigan and in northern Lake plies at many Michigan ports. Other Citizen Science
plankton, but are also eaten by some partner groups include Michigan
plankton-eating fish.
Huron. Data on angler satisfac-
tion and the prevalence of wild and State University and U.S. Geological on the Great Lakes
Scientists are working hard Survey. In addition to all of the agency
stocked salmon are shared with and fishing organizations mentioned
to understand how economically partner groups including U.S. Fish & above, two additional groups have
valuable salmon, trout, walleye, and Wildlife Service and Departments of Fish Finders: been tremendously supportive of
other species are adapting to these
conditions and anglers can also pitch
Natural Resources in Michigan, Wis-
consin, Illinois, and Indiana. In 2017,
Wheres the bait? citizen science. Programming for the
in to do their part. Michigan Sea Long-term monitoring of baitfish Great Lakes Angler Diary app was
anglers will be able to use the Great in Lake Michigan has shown dra- funded exclusively by Detroit Area
Grant and partner groups including Lakes Angler Diary to enter all of the
Wisconsin Sea Grant and Michi- matic declines in overall availability Steelheaders donations and in-kind
data required on Chinook salmon for of baitfish in open water. The decline support from Brenton Consulting,
gan State University Extension are the Salmon Ambassadors program. of alewife has been particularly im- LLC. Citizen science would not be
offering a variety of citizen science
programs that anglers can contribute Huron-Michigan portant to the salmon fishery because
Chinook salmon rely almost entirely
possible without the contributions of
anglers at every step of the way.
to during the 2017 fishing season. Diet Study: What on alewife for food. Anglers who fish Michigan Sea Grant helps to
The Great Lakes are fish eating? for salmon are very good at finding foster economic growth and protect
With all of the changes due to alewife. Find the alewife and you Michigans coastal, Great Lakes re-
Angler Diary App invasive species, predatory fish are find the salmon. sources through education, research
The Great Lakes Angler Diary changing their feeding habits. Fol- Biologists with U.S. Geological and outreach. A collaborative effort
is a web-based app that can be ac- lowing the success of a similar proj- Survey and other agencies monitor of the University of Michigan and
cessed from any computer or mobile ect in Lake Huron in 2009-2011, this baitfish using trawls and very sophis- Michigan State University and its
device at www.GLanglerdiary.org. project enlists anglers to contribute ticated hydroacoustic fish finders. MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant
The app can be used to record infor- stomachs from all types of predatory Anglers can now submit bait ball is part of the NOAA-National Sea
mation from fishing trips and share fish in Lake Huron and Lake Michi- images from their own fish finders by Grant network of 33 university-based
that information with Michigan Sea gan. e-mailing them to GLanglerdiary@ programs. n
Grant. You can participate by taking Many stomachs will be collected
the following steps. 1) Sign-up for by technicians working for the U.S.
the program by e-mailing GLan-
glerdiary@gmail.com. 2) Receive
a unique Volunteer Number via
e-mail. 3) Register online at www.
Fish & Wildlife Service or state
agencies, but anglers are also able to
collect stomachs on their own. This
is particularly important because
Dermestid Beetles at work!
GLanglerdiary.org using your Vol- technicians typically focus on collec-
unteer Number. 4) Record as much,
or as little, information as you
tion of fish at tournaments and peak
seasons for each port. If you fish
14038 SPEAKER RD. YALE, MICHIGAN 48097
would like during the fishing season. early or late in the year, late at night,
6) Answer a short survey at the end or in places that are away from the Male or Female Cleaning, Degrease, Whiten Cleaning, Degrease, Whiten
of the year. crowds, your contribution may be Prepared by You Prepared by Us
The survey will be used to help especially useful. Small Rodents & Mustilids $30 $40
scientists determine how your infor- To avoid bias, it is important to Coyote, Fox, Lynx, Bobcat, Badger, Wolverine $50 $60
mation will be used. The more infor- collect stomachs from all fish caught Deer, Javelina, Goat, Antelope $100 $115
mation you record, the more useful during the trip. Even empty stomachs
your data set will be. The app allows are very important because a high
Wolf, Mtn. Lion, Black Bear <13 length, Boar <13 $110 $125
you to record data on all salmon percentage of empty stomachs means Elk, Sheep, Bl. Bear >13, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Boar >13 $140 $155
and trout species, cisco, walleye,
muskie, and lake sturgeon.
that fish are having trouble finding
food. If you decide not to collect j.ohmer@yahoo.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 69
Dynamite
Bluegills
Are you looking for top notch
Michigan fishing action?
Tired of sitting around the house,
apartment or cabin and dying to
hook your limit of fish?
Well, now is the time to take to
local lakes, ponds and reservoirs
in search of Michigans most
prolific game fish ever, bluegills.
If you are looking to catch more
and bigger fish listen up, Ive got
exciting news...By Kenny Darwin
M
y Lund boat slipped silently
across the calm lake surface with Author shows off large gill taken using his favorite panfish tactic- clear Adjust-a-Bubble
my bow mounted electric trolling float, single hook baited with large waxworm and Zebco rod and reel combo. He likes to at-
motor set on medium speed. With tack gills during mid-day when the sun is bright and he can see fish striking his hook.
rod in hand and polarized sun- and swam for deeper water. It was so exciting to you can look forward to locating bluegill for
glasses helping me to see into the see fish respond to my presentation, watch them decades.
crystal clear early summer water I was on a hunt. sprint to the offering and actually see the strike. On warm days they move shallow, but a cold
There in less than three feet of water I could see Late spring bluegills provide the brand of fish- snap and cold weather or rain will send them
a pod of big gills finning on a sand bar. I imme- ing excitement that is simply addictive, fun for deep again. They can spawn several times each
diately stopped, made a cast just past the target family and friends and provides a pan fried treat year so keep checking hot locations. Beds are
zone and gave the rod a slight lift to pull the that is tough to beat. If your goal is to catch more most frequently made on sand or small pebbles in
offering over the fish. Immediately I could see a and bigger fish this spring, Ive got some fishing 1-3 feet of water but it is not unusual for big gills
big bull charging my hook. But at the last second tricks that will help you fill the livewell. to make redds in 6-8 feet of water. They turn on
he slammed on the brakes, holding pectoral fins I gotta admit some of the most explosive fish- their sides and lay eggs that are immediately fer-
horizontal and sitting stationary just inches from ing of the year comes when early summer arrives tilized. Females leave beds and begin to recover
the hook. I gave the rod tip a slight twitch which and bluegills take to the skinny water. By skinny as males guard eggs and fry a few days.
caused the waxworm to wiggle and POW the Im talking about super shallow around sand- This is spot and stalk fishing at its finest. The
hump backed buck slurped the hook at lightning bars, gravel and backwater areas, the warmer the trick is to slip along the shore and stealthfully
speed. I set the hook and quickly cranked the water the better. Gills initially enter these spots approach schools of gills. Some fishermen walk
prize to the boat and made another cast into the to feed immediately after ice out when water the shore while others approach from water using
bluegill zone. temperatures are below 55 degrees. Often they bow mounted electric motors to silently cruise the
Soon as the clear Adjust-A-Bubble hit the gather near structure like fallen trees, logs, docks, shoreline and sneak up on unsuspecting bluegills
surface, three bulls split from the pack and rock piles and more. Sometimes they gather sunning in the shallows. Polarized sunglasses are
charged my presentation. This time, one flared in the current of a stream outlet, the mouths of a prerequisite in order to see more fish and elimi-
his gills, gulped the tiny single hook with thread- feeder creeks where water is flowing and con- nate the glare and reflection from the sun. Savvy
ed waxie before his friends could get to it, turned stantly providing food sources. anglers also wear dark or camo clothing rather
Bluegill medicines Most gather in sand or gravel than fluorescent shirts or white hats that fish can
flats where the early season see at long distances. It helps if you approach
includes small sun quickly warms the water, with the sun to your back which helps to spot fish
size #8 hooks, increases their metabolism and before they see you.
plastics, clear they are eager to attack hooks Smart anglers use light rods and light line to
floats and floating with lightning speed. help them cast long distances. The idea is to spot
spider flies with On most Michigan lakes fish and make long casts to waiting targets rather
white wiggly legs. you can find late spring gills than getting too close to wary fish that can easily
stacked around man-made detect your presence. Try a 6 ft. light action
structure like boat docks, boat rod equipped with open bail reel spooled with
hoists and under swimming 6-8 lb. line. Novice anglers, women and kids
platforms or moored boats. prefer closed face spinning reels. My favorite
Again, look for fish in the is the time proven Zebco 33 which is ideal for
warmest water, and concentrate long distance casting, has a smooth drag and is
fishing in locations protected designed to avoid line tangles. The Zebco 33 is
from the wind and exposed to a big advantage when blowing wind tends to foul
the sun. Bluegills use the same the line on open bail reels.
spawning locations year after For distance work I like to use a clear plastic
year. So, once you find them bobber called Adjust-a Bubble. The float has a
70 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
pointed head and a rubber tube runs through the helps me to thread the waxie up the shank and
middle. Just thread your line through the tube,
pull out the end, set leader length, twist the tube
and let go and the twisted rubber will hold your
hide the hook. The plain hook strategy is deadly
on shallow water gills looking for realistic bait
drifting in their strike zone. Gills have incredible
LCW DEEP
line stationary. For extra-long range casting vision and prefer to swim up in the water column
just pop open the top and add water for weight. and suck in food with their small mouth. Same
In most fishing situations, the Adjust-a Bubble Some anglers like to use tiny jigs tipped with proven shape
provides enough weight for long casts. Perhaps grubs or plastics. Dont forget that your favorite twice the weight
the biggest advantage of the clear bobber is it is ice jigs tipped with bait or plastics can be deadly
relatively difficult for fish to detect. in spring. Im sold on tungsten jigs available
If gills are shallow, you can pull the bubble at www.yourbobbersdown.com in combination 3-1/8 x 1-1/2
across the lake surface and it gets the attention of with their Little Atom super soft plastics. Try the 3/5 oz
hungry gills and when they investigate they see size 4mm tungsten jigs with hot chartreuse Little
the trailing baited hook, fly, popper or small jig. Atom. Dont overlook the advantages of using CDIC
One of the deadliest late spring tactics is a float- Little Atom Krazy Dust anise-scented powder on Candied Ice
ing spider set about 18 inches behind the bubble. your live bait to enhance color and scent. Gills
With this setup you make long distance casts over seem to like bait colored hot green, blood red and
gill hotspots and use a slight twitching rod tip hot chartreuse.
action to make the clear bobber gurgle, spit and Few thrills in fishing can compete with
create a V-shaped wake. Aggressive gills hear the shallow water gills swirling the calm lake sur-
sound, charge the offering and they key in on the face on a sunny, warm, spring day. Bulls are
floating spider with white wiggling legs. Allow the first to enter spawning locations, and they
the spider to remain stationary for a few seconds work diligently to make crater-shaped spawning
and those wiggling legs drive gills crazy and they beds they defend day and night. Any other fish
aggressively smack the offering. cruising over their bed is greeted with aggressive
Almost any bobber will work, and some attacks and any fly or baited hook is slammed in
fishermen prefer the less expensive thill or pencil a heartbeat. Bluegill fishing is the easiest dur-
style float. You want a float that you can fix to ing the spawn. Often hundreds of fish occupy a
your line, floats that dont slip up or down your relatively small area and you catch fish non-stop.
line. Sometimes you need a small BB split shot Gills move shallow when water temperatures hit
to take the offering deep. Cold weather and cool 55-60 degrees. Males fan out nests 13-22 inches HSG
water conditions can cause gills to school in across and often dozens of nests are in close Half Gold
slightly deeper water. Sometimes you need the proximity. When water warms to 68-71 degrees, & Silver
hook to get 2-6 feet below the surface in order to they move on spawning beds and remain until
get strikes. Dont make the common mistake of eggs are fertilized. This is perhaps the most ac-
using too large split shot that drop too fast in the tion packed, easy fishing you can imagine. Enjoy LCWD
water column. Instead use any shot which allows the hot action by inviting kids, family and friends 10 colors
the hook to slowly drift deep and attract fish into to enjoy the explosive fishing fun.
striking on the drop. For me and for most Michigan fishermen, THE ORIGINAL
When gills are up in the shallows, my hottest
presentation is a plain hook rigged with a wax-
nothing beats the sweet taste of fresh gills fried
golden crisp. While many prefer to deep fry
Lake Clear Wabbler
worm. I hook the waxie through the head and panfish, my choice is pan frying in olive oil. 3-1/8 x 1-1/2
leave the tail swimming in the water to attract My favorite mix, available from most Michigan 1/3 oz
savage strikes. My favorite hook is a small short grocery stores, is called Andys breading regular
shank Dai Riki style #155 straight eye or Eagle or spicy red. While some anglers measure their SBLU
Claw baitholder LT181FS size #8. The idea is to fishing prowess by the number of 10-inch gills Half Silver
use a very small hook so it does not spook wary they harvest, for this old sea dog the measure of & Blue
big bulls. The weight of the hook alone will a fisherman is the fried fish he serves family and
cause the waxie to slowly fall in the water col- friends fresh from the kitchen. Bring on the cole-
umn and often strikes occur when the bait slowly slaw and Leons potato salad to enhance a meal
drifts in the current. The bronze baitholder hook of dynamite bluegills.n
HSCN
Half Copper
& Silver
LCW1
Nuwrinkle
26 colors
Multiple NY ate trout records including
Savvy anglers anchor close to shore and cast parallel to the bank in search of gills the current record for speckled trout.
in the shallows. This strategy is deadly if you scout and pinpoint schools of fish and
use very little weight above the hook. Another trick is to frequently reel in slack line
to move offerings and attract more strikes. Dont make the common mistake of cast-
ing the bobber out and leaving it sit in one spot for long periods of time.
lb. boar), and during that time I Bringing an extra fishing pole is also
thoroughly enjoyed assisting Dick a good idea. There is a handy fish ULTIMATE LAND MANAGEMENT FORAGE & COVER SEED FOR MICHIGAN PLOTS
Watson in baiting his bear hunting cleaning station and fishing guides Tony Lapratt and associate Chris Pierson
with new associate Ed Spinazzola
The Brassica Blend provides both summer feed and winter forage. The Ultimate Blend is
an excellent mix that includes both annual and perennials. The Wildlife Cover and Forage Blend
sites (he uses only sweets entail- will clean your fish if you wish. WEBSITE -- tonysulm.com
is designed to keep deer on your property by providing them a bedding area and food in close
proximity. Go to deerattraction.com for a full list of ingredients and detailed planting instructions.
ing mostly frosting, cookies, pies Dick also recommends wearing ULTIMATE DEER FOOD PLOTS
and pie filling I found myself light-colored clothing when fish- BOOK & DVD
OR CALL ED AT 586-784-8090 FOR MORE INFORMATION
licking the spatula on occasion), and ing as it doesnt attract insects such
Seed Cost # Bags Total
Michigan Brassica Blend
getting to know him. as mosquitoes and black flies like ORDER YOUR (6lbs)
Dick grew up in the guiding dark clothing will (a reason you see COPY TODAY (6lbs) $35
business on Kaby Lake and has been beekeepers wearing light colored Send Check or Money Order Wildlife Cover and
Forage Blend (6lbs) $50
guiding since age 11. He is clearly clothing when tending their hives). Made Out to:
DEER ATTRACTION
Shipping and handling $11.00 first bag $7.00
where I was on that big body of wa- we were ready to sample Kaby Check the Following: Book @ $25 each DVD @ $20 each
Ed Spinazzola 24150 31 Mile Road, Ray Twp, MI 48096
WEBSITE: deerattraction.com
ter fringed by a dense forest where Lakes phenomenal fishing full- Name Name
all the coves often looked alike. time. This would include a day with Address Address
Dick also has a simple but com- fishing guide Kodey Ferrigan who City State Zip City State Zip
mon sense philosophy about dealing took us to all his favorite haunts, en- Phone # Phone #
Jim Lewandowski of Cass Lake sent us this trail cam photo of a playful fawn and somewhat
surprised wild tom turkey near Gladwin Michigan.
Above: A photo from George Richeys archives showing the Starlight Bait and box. A well-known outdoor writer from Honor, he also wrote monthly ar-
ticles on antique fishing tackle for Woods-N-Water News. Right: The Standar t Brothers 4 -inch Starlight Bait dates from 1915 to 1920. This example
has a luminous white wood body with a red head. Bill Wazelle collection
76 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Many of the other larger lure well as identical line ties mounted
manufacturers produced their own through a cone-shaped washer. Both
variations led by South Bends fish baits were painted with luminous
catching 4 -inch Woodpecker and white paint with red heads.
3-inch Midget Woodpecker baits, William Locher was a success-
as well as Pfluegers Magnet, and ful sporting goods retailer located in
Shakespeares Surface Wonder. Kalamazoo who at first specialized
Since the lures were popular and in bicycles and then later became
easy to produce, there were many known as the place to go for
smaller manufacturers as well, fishing tackle. He also was partners
which takes us back to the previ- with William Shakespeare Jr. when
ously mentioned Standart Brothers the two entrepreneurs patented The White Miller lure was sold by William Locher, a successful Kalamazoo
Starlight Bait. Located in Detroit, Shakespeares first production lure, spor ting goods retailer. The White Miller and the Starlight Baits were
Standart Brothers was one of The Shakespeare Revolution Bait, in made by the same unknown manufacturer.
Michigans largest hardware whole- 1901. The Revolution was initially
salers selling an extensive lineup made in wood and then quickly
of hardware and household items converted over to hollow aluminum
along with a wide selection of sport- tubes.
ing goods including fishing tackle. I am looking for either the
My speculation was that the Stan- Standart Brothers Starlight Bait and
dart executive in charge of fishing the Locher White Miller wood bait
tackle, recognizing the popularity in original boxes for my collection
of woodpecker-style baits, decided of early Michigan baits. I would
to develop his own Standart-brand also like to learn more about both
version and found someone locally of these woodpecker baits and who
to produce it. He named this private actually made them. Did Standart
label lure The Starlight Surface Brothers contract them locally in the
Bait, clearly a takeoff on the top- Detroit area or did William Locher
selling Moonlight lure made across have his friend, William Shake-
the state in Paw Paw. speare, make the identical wood
Several weeks ago, I discov- lures in Shakespeares lure depart-
ered a black and white photo of ment?
another woodpecker bait along with During last Septembers Woods- The often imitated Moonlight Floating Bait #1, introduced in 1906, was the
its two-piece cardboard box. The N-Water News Outdoor Weekend, first woodpecker-style bait ever made. John and Sybil Woodruff collection
lure was pictured in a 1998 issue Mike Schambre and his sister, Anne
of the National Fishing Lure Col- from St. Clair, Michigan brought
lectors Club Magazine. The box Anne Maries large Umco hiproof
read: The White Miller, for sale tackle box in for me to see. She has
by WM. LOCHER, 220 E. Main a nice collection of more modern
St., Kalamazoo. With the help of fishing lures that included several
fishing lure historian and author, unusual baits. One was what I called
Bill Sonnett, I discovered, much to a backward swimming pencil plug
my surprise, that the White Miller and was probably produced locally
from Kalamazoo was identical to for fishing the St. Clair River for
the Starlight Bait from Detroit. Both walleyes. Why the carver built the
lures had three treble hooks with minnow-shaped wood pencil plug
with the minnows tail coming first An unknown wood lure probably from the St. Clair, Michigan area that I call
brass screw eyes mounted through the backward swimming pencil plug. Anne Marie Schambre collection
inverted cone-shaped washers, as will probably remain a mystery! The
other extraordinary baits were three mid-1960s or later after zip codes
examples of a banana-shaped came into use. Hopefully, one of my
diving lure painted with a very readers can help with more informa-
nice scale pattern. There were two tion on the Pirate and Pro-Line
sizes with the smallest measuring Plastics.
2 -inches and the larger size at Thanks to Bill Wazelle for al-
3-inches. Neither bait was marked lowing me to photograph his lures,
with a name or a manufacturer, so Mike and Anne Schambre for their
I took several photos of the three Pirate lures, and William T. Son-
plastic lures and hoped that one nett for his help with the Standart
of my Michigan lure collector Brothers Starlight Bait and the
friends could identify who made Locher White Miller bait. I would
them. also like to acknowledge his article
No luck until a month ago when The South Bend Woodpecker Bait
Bill Wazelle found another Michi- Leader of the Pack from his book
gan lure stored away in one of his Deconstructing Old Ads Volume
boxes and brought it in for me to see Two published by The White Press
and photograph. This example came (whitefishpress@yahoo.com).
in a hinged plastic box that con- Feel free to contact the author
tained a printed insert that identified at antiquefishing@comcast.net with
the lure as a Pro-Line Plastics Pirate your questions. Photographs are im-
Above: An example of the Pirate lure made by Pro-Line Plastics of from Livonia, Michigan. The other portant, so please send them. They
Livonia, Bill Wazelle collection. Right: Three more Pirate lures show- telling thing was that the address help me with identification and give
ing two sizes measuring 2 5/8-inches and 3-inches in length. Anne Marie contained a zip code, which meant me an idea of the condition of the
Schambre collection that the lures were made in the item.n
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 77
Part IV...COs on deer season patrol
By Jeff Pendergraff
I
n Februarys, Marchs and enforcement action was taken. subject, CO Ulberg noticed the smell fore firearm deer season. CO Keoph-
Aprils editions, the author CO Gerard Goulette responded to of marijuana. When the subject was alychanh responded and subsequently
covered the COs on patrol a call with the Ottawa County Sher- questioned about the smell he pro- found a subject with a deer that he
during the Michigan 2016 deer iffs Department regarding a subject duced a small glass jar of marijuana. claimed he had shot with a crossbow.
opener in Districts 1 - 6. In shooting a shotgun near some houses Enforcement action was taken. CO Keophalychanh examined the
this issue, the cases continue in a residential area. The subject said CO Justin Ulberg investigated deer and found that it had been shot
with District 7-8. he was duck hunting on the pond in several complaints of subjects buying with a shotgun in the neck. A firearm
DISTRICT 7 his yard and said he was only hunting their deer licenses after harvesting was recovered and the suspect was
CO Mike Mshar was on patrol in the one corner of the pond because deer. Photos of the subjects posing found to be prohibited from possess-
in rural Allegan County when he that was the only spot far enough with the deer were located on social ing a firearm. A citation for the illegal
observed a pickup truck traveling away from surrounding houses. When media websites and a records check deer was issued, with the additional
slowly on the opposite shoulder of the CO Goulette and the deputy searched showed that none of the subjects warrants being sought for the suspect.
roadway against traffic. CO Mshar the area they did not find any evi- had current deer licenses when the CO Tyler Cole and CO Matt Page
made contact with the driver as he dence of hunting at the location the photographs were taken. CO Ulberg conducted a deer processer inspec-
pulled into a driveway and stopped. subject claimed. Searching the area interviewed the subjects and obtained tion and discovered a 9-point buck
During this contact, CO Mshar revealed shotgun shells in other loca- confessions on three separate inci- taken in Illinois. The deer was then
observed a cased long gun and other tions around the pond that were too dents. Enforcement action was taken. transported to Michigan and taken to
hunting equipment in the truck. The close to neighboring houses. Illegal CO Ivan Perez was conducting a a processer. Contact was made with
subject stated he didnt hunt and was shotgun shells containing lead shot processor inspection when he checked the individual who admitted to taking
just looking around. CO Mshar then were also found that were fresh. After a rather large 9-point buck with a tag the deer in Illinois and transporting
observed a single deer hair in the bed looking closely at the shotgun shells, that was purchased the night before at it across state lines back to Michi-
of the pickup truck. The subject stated CO Goulette suspected that there was approximately 7 p.m. The buck was at gan. The deer was seized for Chronic
that it was from a deer his brother a second subject hunting there as well the processors the following morning Wasting Disease testing and a citation
had taken. The driver, however, could and after lying about it several times, by 9 a.m. With the assistance of CO was issued for violating the CWD
not remember if it was a buck or a the subject called his friend back to Justin Ulberg, he was able to confirm importation regulations.
doe. During the contact, the brother the scene. Both subjects were charged using a thermometer and Time of CO Tyler Cole received a com-
drove by and stopped to see if every- with violations of hunting within Death training that the deer had been plaint in reference to a deer carcass
thing was okay. CO Mshar inquired a safety zone and one subject was dead between 9 to 20 hours prior to dumped on private property. A kill
about the deer that the brother shot. charged with using lead shot to hunt being brought to the processor. Armed tag was found along with the carcass.
The brother stated he hadnt shot a waterfowl. with that information, the suspect CO Cole and CO Jeff Robinette made
deer. When CO Mshar explained to CO Mike Wells and CO Greg quickly confessed that he had shot contact with the owner of the kill tag.
the subjects that their stories did not Patten investigated a deer shot during the deer at approximately 5:30 p.m. After questioning, it was discovered
make sense, the second subject finally bow season without a license. The the evening prior and then purchased that the deer was taken outside of the
admitted to killing a 6-point buck and suspect was revoked from hunting his license. This is one of the biggest deer management unit for the antler-
not tagging it. CO Mshar recovered due to prior violations. The deer bucks in recent memory being taken less deer, along with the individual
the deer at a nearby residence. En- killed was an 11-point buck. The in central Ottawa County. Enforce- admitting to the illegal dumping of
forcement action was taken. suspect used his girlfriends license to ment action was taken. the carcass. Citations were issued for
CO Mshar received a Report All tag the deer. The Muskegon County During the same processor check, both the illegally taken deer and the
Poaching complaint of a subject who Prosecutor authorized a three count CO Ivan Perez also discovered a small littering violation.
posted a picture on Facebook of a warrant for illegally killing the deer, 4-point buck with a kill tag that had CO Matt Page was patrolling
buck he harvested with a bow. There taking game while revoked, and using been purchased the prior evening at Cornish State Game Area on open-
was no record, however, of the subject anothers license. The suspect faces about 5 p.m. and was validated for the ing day of firearm season when he
purchasing any licenses since 2013. 10 to 180 days in jail and fines of same day it was purchased. A check observed a group of hunters dragging
CO Mshar made contact and inter- $500.00 to $2,000.00, up to an 11 year of the history of the purchaser showed a doe out of the field towards the road.
viewed the subject. During this inter- license revocation, and $10,250.00 a female who had only purchased a CO Page made contact and observed
view, the subject admitted to killing in reimbursement for the deer on the single deer license, with no other pur- an untagged doe. The subject stated
the buck and a doe without purchasing first charge. He faces 180 days in jail chases in her history. A further check that he did not have a knife to validate
hunting licenses. He also admitted to and a fine of $500.00 to $2,500.00 showed that a male at that residence his tag. After reviewing the subjects
hunting the first few days of gun sea- for taking game while revoked. He had only a few fishing licenses and hunting license, it was found that he
son without purchasing a license. The also faces misdemeanor charges for a single deer license purchased back did not possess a public land antler-
deer and equipment were seized and using another persons license. The in 2012. When contact was made at less permit. The doe was seized and
enforcement action was taken. woman who tagged the deer faces the residence, CO Perez learned that a citation was issued to the hunter
CO Mike Mshar received a com- misdemeanor charges for loaning her the male in question was the husband for taking the deer without a proper
plaint of a subject shooting a buck license. of the female who had the kill tag antlerless license.
from the window of his pickup truck. CO David Rodgers responded to on the deer. When asked about the CO Matt Page while patrolling
CO Mshar responded to the area and a safety zone / trespass complaint. deer, he stated that he took his wife a nature conservancy checked some
located the vehicle and one subject. Upon arrival, CO Rodgers encoun- out hunting and that she got really hunters coming out of the woods on
The shooter had left on foot to track tered a female subject that stated both lucky and shot a deer right away. CO a side-by-side ATV over a half hour
the deer he had shot and would not deer were in the pole barn and that her Perez asked if he was hunting also after legal shooting hours. CO Page
return. After several hours, CO Mshar boyfriend had shot them. Inside the and he replied that he was. When CO observed a subject in the back of the
was able to locate the shooter with the pole barn, a partially processed button Perez informed him that not only did ATV with a loaded and uncased fire-
help of the phone company as they buck and a doe were located. A third his wife not have a hunters safety arm in his hands. After checking all
tracked his cell phone. The subject deer carcass was also located. None of certificate, but that he had not pur- hunting licenses, the operator of the
was on foot over a mile away from the deer had been tagged. The firearm chased a deer license for this year, he ATV advised CO Page that his wife
the scene. CO Mshar interviewed and deer were seized, and a citation confessed to killing the deer himself had shot a 4-point buck in archery
the subject who admitted to shooting was given for taking an antlerless deer and having his wife purchase a kill tag season. After further questioning, the
from the vehicle. He stated he did it without a license. so he could take it to the processor. man changed his story that his wife
because he has a bad heart and really CO Justin Ulberg responded to Enforcement action was taken. didnt have a license and he actually
wanted to get a deer. CO Mshar and a complaint of two subjects hunting CO Saykham Keophalychanh killed the 4-point buck. The deer ant-
CO Chuck Towns returned the follow- from a vehicle on commercial forest submitted a warrant request for felony lers were located by CO Mooney and
ing morning and were able to locate land. CO Ulberg arrived on scene and firearm and felon in possession of a it was in fact, a 3-point buck tagged
the gun, which the subject had hid in contacted one of the hunters sitting in firearm. The incident stems from a with the subjects restricted license.
the field, as well as the deer, which his vehicle. A loaded uncased shotgun complaint that CO Keophalychanh The husband was cited for transport-
was mortally wounded in the woodlot. was located in the passenger seat of received from CO Matt Page where ing the loaded gun on a motor vehicle
The gun and deer were seized and the vehicle. While speaking with the a subject had possibly shot a deer be- and the wife was cited for taking the
78 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
buck without a license. better. Enforcement action was taken. report of a convicted felon hunting CO McCullough interviewed the
CO Steve Mooney received CO Webster investigated a suspi- with a firearm. CO Monnich and CO suspect in jail and a confession was
information that a subject had shot cious license purchase after a pro- Eric Smithers went to the location and obtained for the killing of multiple
a 12-point buck without a hunting cessor inspection. The subject was made contact with five individuals deer over the last several years with-
license and had purchased the license contacted and quickly admitted that coming out of the woods well after out licenses, as well as the dumping
after-the-fact. CO Mooney investigat- he did not shoot the deer and had legal shooting hours with loaded of the deer carcasses. Enforcement
ed and obtained a confession from the never been hunting in his life. He had firearms. CO Monnich also identified action was taken.
subject that he had hunted without a asked his uncle to shoot him a deer one of the five men as the felon who CO McCullough responded to a
license, had killed the buck, and then and then supplied the tag after the was carrying a firearm. Enforcement trespassing complaint. The suspect
bought the license. In addition, it was 4-point buck was killed. The uncle action was taken for having loaded was observed by neighbors hunting
discovered that the subject had never was contacted and admitted the story firearms after legal shooting hours and the same property where he had been
taken hunters safety as required. The was true. Charges are pending through felon in possession of a firearm. written numerous tickets for trespass-
deer was seized and the subject was the prosecutors office. CO Monnich and CO Chris ing, dating back to the 1990s. CO
cited for taking the deer without a CO Todd Thorn contacted some Reynolds were on patrol when they McCullough contacted the hunter,
valid hunting license. hunters at their camp who were received a call from a hunter who and after a brief interview, the hunter
CO Steve Mooney received infor- preparing to head into the field. CO observed five hunters trespass onto apologized to McCullough for con-
mation from a VanBuren County Dep- Thorn asked if they had any success his property to push deer. While re- tinually trespassing. The hunter was
uty that he had stopped a subject that and was told by one of the hunters sponding to the complaint, the hunter cited for recreational trespass, again.
was transporting a loaded firearm in a that he had recently shot an 8-point called CO Monnich and stated that CO Jason McCullough observed
motor vehicle. CO Mooney responded buck. CO Thorn asked to see hunt- the trespassers left the field and he a truck pull out into a field after
and discovered that the subject had ing licenses as they had firearms with followed them back to the home they dark and shut off its lights. CO Mc-
shot and wounded an antlerless deer them and the hunter who just said came from. Upon arrival, the COs Cullough drove around the section
and had committed recreational that he had shot an 8-point handed located the five hunters who admitted and discovered the house where the
trespass while tracking the deer. In CO Thorn two unused buck tags. The that they had gone onto the neighbors hunters were coming from. CO Mc-
addition, the subject did not have an hunter was asked what he tagged the property to push deer. Enforcement Cullough watched the hunters return
antlerless deer license. CO Mooney 8-point with. His shoulders slumped action was taken for trespassing. to the house and hang up a deer in the
tracked the wounded deer and put and said he didnt tag it. The hunter CO Monnich received a call from garage. When CO McCullough pulled
the mortally wounded deer down and retrieved the antlers and gave them to a hunter who watched a guy drive out in the driveway one of the subjects
cited the subject for both the loaded CO Thorn, along with photos of the onto neighboring property and set quickly pulled the truck out of the
gun in the vehicle and for taking an deer. Enforcement action was taken. up a pop-up blind and start hunting garage and tried to run into the house.
antlerless deer without a license. CO Thorn located a pickup truck with no hunter orange. CO Monnich The other subject tried to close and
CO Jeff Robinette made contact parked in a field in Vevay Township, arrived at the location and sat by the lock the garage door. After explain-
with a hunter who stated that he had Ingham County, and saw that there hunters vehicle. A half-hour after ing to the hunters that the CO had
missed a buck a short time before CO was an empty gun case in the front dark, the hunter came out of the field been watching for quite a while, the
Robinette made contact with him. seat. CO Thorn looked further and carrying two gun cases and wearing hunters became cooperative. The deer
CO Robinette checked his hunting saw a fresh set of antlers with blood no orange. CO Monnich located a was discovered to be untagged, killed
licenses and discovered that the sub- and hair in the bed of the truck. CO 7MM rifle and a .22 rifle with a spot without a license, and shot by a con-
ject had forgotten to bring his hunting Thorn waited until hunting hours were light attached to it. Enforcement ac- victed felon with a firearm. Enforce-
license with him and that he had only over and watched a man with a shot- tion was taken. ment action was taken.
purchased antlerless deer licenses. gun walk to the truck. CO Thorn con- CO Brandon Hartleben was pa- CO Isaac Tyson received an
CO Robinette cited the subject for tacted the hunter and found a loaded, trolling on the morning of the firearm anonymous tip that a local hunter
being afield without his kill tags and uncased shotgun on the passenger seat opener when he came across a vehicle had shot a deer without a license. CO
explained what would have happened and learned that the hunter didnt have parked on the side of the road with a Tyson patrolled by the subjects resi-
if he had actually killed the buck. any license purchases since 2009. CO single occupant. CO Hartleben made dence and noticed a truck parked in
CO Andy Bauer, CO Keoph- Thorn investigated further and found contact with the operator and could the backyard. CO Tyson approached
alychanh, CO Steve Mooney, CO that the hunter had recently shot smell an odor of burnt marijuana the vehicle and located an untagged
Jeff Robinette and Sgt. Zach Doss two deer, which were located by CO coming from the vehicle. CO Hartle- 8-point buck in the bed of the truck
conducted a group patrol at the Thorn. Enforcement action was taken. ben had observed a tree stand in the covered by a tarp. CO Tyson con-
Michigan/Indiana state line targeting While on patrol in Concord Town- rear of the vehicle and also noted a tacted a resident who informed him
violations of the CWD importation of ship in Jackson County, CO Chris suspicious looking red blanket behind that the hunter had run into town and
deer regulations. During the patrol, Maher observed a car driving down the passenger seat. CO Hartleben would be back soon. After a short
two vehicles were stopped and four the road without a rear tire and sparks asked the operator what was under the time, the hunter arrived with a freshly
deer from CWD positive states were coming from behind the vehicle. CO blanket and the subject stated that it purchased deer license. A confession
brought into Michigan whole, not Maher initiated a stop and inter- was probably his crossbow. This was was obtained. The deer was seized
complying with Michigans CWD viewed the subject. After performing confirmed and enforcement action and enforcement action was taken.
regulations. All four deer were seized, field sobriety evaluations, CO Maher was taken. CO Tyson stopped in at a lo-
bagged in biohazard bags, and sent determined the subject was not able to CO Jason McCullough and CO cal processor in Branch County and
to the Wildlife Lab for CWD test- drive. Enforcement action was taken. Jeff Goss concluded an 11 month spoke to a hunter who was dropping
ing. The four subjects that brought While checking a deer proces- investigation involving a suspect who off an 8-point buck. CO Tyson con-
the deer into Michigan were cited for sor, CO Monnich came across a large was killing deer without a license, gratulated the hunter on the deer and
violating the CWD deer importation antlered buck with no kill tag attached trespassing and illegally disposing of asked to hear the story. The hunter
regulations. to it. After some time, the processor carcasses. CO McCullough received told how he shot the buck on open-
DISTRICT 8 was able to supply a kill tag for the a complaint of deer carcasses be- ing morning after missing three other
CO Shane Webster investigated buck. CO Monnich noticed that the ing dumped next to a local business bucks. A check of the license revealed
a report of a subject who had killed tag was bought at noon on opening in January. Information gathered that it was purchased after hunting
a deer without a license. CO Webster day of gun season and was improperly from the deer carcasses as well as hours on opening day. CO Tyson
gathered evidence and confronted validated. CO Monnich also learned surveillance video from several lo- questioned the hunter, who admitted
the subject who confessed that he that the buck made a few different cal businesses identified a possible to having his wife buy a tag for the
had killed an 8-point buck prior to appearances on some local buck poles suspect and vehicle. In early October, deer so he could continue hunting.
purchasing a license the next day. the morning of opening day. CO CO Goss and CO McCullough had After further questioning, he admitted
Charges are being sought through the Monnich interviewed the suspect and a suspect flee from private property that his wife does not hunt. Records
prosecutors office. asked what time the buck was taken. while trespassing in the same area as showed that the hunters wife had pur-
CO Webster observed a hunter The individual ultimately confessed the carcass dumping complaint. The chased multiple deer licenses in past
in a tree not wearing hunter orange. that he never expected to see a deer, COs were able to connect a suspect years, indicating that this was likely
As he approached, the hunter became let alone shoot a nice deer on open- name with the suspect vehicle, which not the first time he had borrowed a
agitated and demanded to know why ing morning. The suspect admitted he was registered to another individual. tag. The deer was seized and enforce-
he was being contacted. CO Webster failed to buy a license prior to going The suspect was found to be a parole ment action was taken.
advised the man that it was because hunting and shooting the buck. The absconder that had multiple warrants Next month I will cover district 9.
of the lack of hunter orange. The buck was seized and enforcement ac- out of multiple counties. The COs Author is Jeff Pendergraff, retired
man flipped his hat inside out to the tion was taken. contacted the local fugitive team who Captain from the DNRs Law Enforce-
orange side and asked if that was CO Monnich responded to a picked the suspect up within 24 hours. ment Division.n
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 79
TROPHY PAGE
Tyler
Loxton
took
this
Sandy Lorenz of Morrice had a ter- Sophia Martinez, 11, nice
rific season taking a pair of bucks; a took her first deer, St. Clair
Savannah Beachy, 13, her first time hunting,
9-pt. and her biggest buck, this dandy bagged her first buck, a
County
taking this doe at 55 7-pt.
10-pt. six days later hunting with her nice 7-pt. with her hunt- yards with a muzzle-
crossbow in Shiawassee County. ing buddy, her dad. loader.
S E A S O N A L - O N LY
and fishing camp, the 1100 sq.
ft. home and 32x42 garage will
NEW - 55 ACRES, A Hunt-
ing Lodge for your buddies,and a Email the Editor
CAMPING Private, gated para- satisfy most as a year round built in 2005- 2400 sq ft Home for
dise on Big Manistee River offers
large, wooded sites, full hook-ups,
residence. A great buy at
$250,000. Call 989-390-0362.
the wife., 70% Wooded new pole
barn,3000 of River Frontage on the Classifieds - Buy, Sell, Trade
easy access to Lake Michigan Details Craigslist and Zillow. Black River. just west of Carsonville.
beaches. Long season. Quiet and
peaceful. COHO BEND - 231-723-
RE-5-3 Bridgehampton Twp. Sanilac Coun-
ty . $479,900 JustLandSales.com
Send Photos or Story Tips
for pictures or call me Tom Kinzer
7321 www.cohobend.com. R/R-3-
8 ESTATE SALE: 60.62 acre farm
located on state highway East of
- 586-419-6716 RE-5-1
..............................................
Advertising Information
..............................................
www.woods-n-waternews.com
Adrian MI. Includes 1,235 sqft 3 400 ACRES WITH EVERY-
Subscribe
bdrm., 1.5 bath ranch on full base- THING THE UP HAS TO OF-
ment with one car attached garage. FER. This was the owners dream
42 x 30 bldg., approx. 23 acres till- property and now the dream can be
CALL
810.724.0254
TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!
P.O. Box 278 594 N. Almont Ave. Imlay City, MI 48444
Ac
Lakefront
Improved Lot * Farmland & Woods * Shiawassee Co.
Undersigned, Thornton & Cecil Parker Trusts, will offer for sale the following real estate and will sell personal property at public
auction on site at 5617 S. Austin Rd. LAINGSBURG, MICHIGAN. Or 1 miles east of Laingsburg on Doyle Rd. to Austin Rd. Turn
174 ft. Lake Frontage on Jug Lake north 1 mile to sale site. Or 4 miles east of Ovid on M-21 to Baldwin Rd. Turn south 4 miles to Bennington Rd. Turn west 1 mile to
Abundant Turkey and Deer Shaftsburg Rd. Turn south 1 miles to Parker Rd. Turn wet to sale site. Watch for auction sale direction signs. Shiawassee County.
Priced at $129K!
bedroom home and a 24 X 28
pole barn. Thornton & Cecil Parker Trusts, Owner
LAKEFRONT HOME
CENTRAL MICHIGAN - 3-bedroom, 2 bath ranch style home on all sports lake
including enclosed in sunroom, furnished, dock, deck, 4 car garage, pontoon
boat with motor, all in good condition. Swimming, fishing, boating all adds
to this quality year around living. Priced at $169,900 MLS #17005949
MUSKEGON RIVER
EVART AREA - 2-Bed, single wide Mobil Home on 3 acres. Pole barn, 3 acres
over 320 feet of frontage. Home in nice condition. A very nice weekend
retreat. Price reduced to $41,500 MLS #17010796
40 ACRES
A HUNTERS PARADISE 40 Acres with a nice selection of trees including
cedar. Deer blinds included. Corner parcel, close to state land. Ideal for deer or
turkey hunting. Land contract. Priced reduced to $61,500 MLS #17014340
MUSKEGON RIVER
IMAGINE - A cute 3-bcdroom riverfront home with over 200 feet of frontage on
1 .5 acres. Include this 2-car garage and you have an ideal recreational parcel.
Home well maintained. All you need is your fishing pole or canoe and you will
be ready 10 enjoy this summer. Priced at only $74,500.00 MLS # 17010631
LAKE MALOY
3-bedroom ranch style home on private lake, very good condition. Large
2-car garage, sandy beach, 128 feet of frontage, If you like peace and quiet
then you will love this lake. Over 1700 square feet of living area with nice
fireplace. Priced right at $139,500.00 MLS # 17014615
334 acres in Doctors Club 217 Acre Hunters Dream 4635 E Clark , Harrisville
area, prime hunting property 1400 sf 3 br 2 ba with Pine 3 br 2 ba Chalet with 6+ acres
awaits you. A portion of land River flowing through the and full finished walk-out
is a cattail swamp with Robb property. Enjoy sitting on basement. Move in ready
Creek. There is 2 beat up the deck watching all the with appliances included.
cabins on property with different wildlife Must see to fully appreciate
electric and flowing well. REDUCED $349,000 all this home and area has to
This would be a great group For More Information Text offer. $199,000
investment. Reduced R155061 to 52187 For More Information Text
$475,000 R213435 to 52187
6137 Cedar Lake Rd, 80 acres Fruchey Ranch 6396 N F-41, Spruce
750+ sf, 2 br, 1 ba with 1 car Rd, Curran 3 br, 1.5 ba, ranch with full
attached garage. Within Perfect for your next hunting unfinished basement. Move
minutes of Lake Huron and destination or would make in ready home, nice setting
local shopping in Oscoda. an excellent location to start on large lot. Fireplaces in
Fireplace and Central Air that next adventure of your living room and in den. ONLY
complete this cozy retreat life. $120,000 $82,500
with access to Van Ettan For More Information Text For More Information Text
Lake. $69,900 R174399 to 52187 R155070 to 52187
Cedar Lk Rd, Greenbush N Ridge Rd, Black River 1011 Alice St, East Tawas
2100+ sf 3 br 2.5 ba 3 car 100+ feet of beautiful Lake 3 br, 2 ba, with attached 2
attached garage with Full Huron would make a perfect car garage. Within walking
Finished Basement. Enjoy getaway location. Lot size .6 distance of Lake Huron, and
evenings sitting around your acres with plenty of room to shopping and entertainment
built in fire pit or entertaining build to suit. Out of the way that East Tawas has to offer.
on the covered deck. New but still able to enjoy all that Move in Ready at only
Listing $214,900 the area has. $122,000 $149,900.
For More Information Text For More Information Text For More Information Text
R213438 to 52187 R277810 to 52187 R281924 to 52187
I NG
END
P
Missaukee County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 5+/- Acres Newaygo County, 36+/- Acres
Iosco County, 783+/- Acres, Jackson County, 54+/- Acres, Kalkaska County, 40 Acres, Mecosta County, 40 Acres Excellent Midland County, 80 Acres Pond, Professionally Managed 557 ft White River Frontage, 1/2 Farm Land, M-37 Frontage, 1000s of
1 Mile Frontage Tawas Lake, Kunze River Crosses Property, 2,000 ft. Grand River Cabin, Barn, Trout Pond, Deer, Turkey & Small Game 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, acres Public Land 1/2 mile Away
5 Bedroom Log Lodge, 3 Miles from East Tawas Forest, Food Plots Open, 1/2 Wooded
Frontage, Trail System Excellent Hunting Hunting, Good Trail System Excellent Hunting $129,500 $41,000 $50,400
$1,250,000
$179,900 $115,000 $88,000 $176,000
NG
DI LD
P EN S
O
Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo County, 60 Acres Newaygo Co, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 80 Acres Newaygo Co, 99 Acres,
32x48 Pole Barn with Water & Heavily Wooded, Excellent QDM, Trophy Bucks Rolling Hardwoods, Great Rustic Cabin, Pond, Nice 4,600 ft. White River Frontage, Planted Pines, Great Cover,
Electric, 20 Ac Old Apple Orchard, Close to Federal Land, Pole Barn,
20 Ac Hardwoods, Great Hunting Hunting, Building Sites Harvested, Great Parcel Great Hunting Hunting, 2 Bedroom Mobile Woods, Good Trail System Great Hunting and Fishing County Road Frontage
$215,000 $60,000 $90,000 $140,000 $150,000 $129,000 $189,000 $198,000
LD LD
SO
O
S
Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Three Newaygo County, 160 Acres Oceana County, 100+/- Acres Osceola Co, 54+/- Acres Osceola County, 167 Acres Presque Isle County, 47+/- Presque Isle County, 80 Ac
spring fed lakes, Excellent Deer, Frontage on 9 Mile Rd & Cottonwood Rd, Remote Property, Nice Forest, 650 ft. Frontage Nice Cabin, Good Trail Acres, 2 Bedroom House, Pole Presque Isle Co, 63+/- Ac Creek Frontage, 24x24 Garage,
Turkey and Waterfowl hunting Adjacent to National Forest Good Deer Population All Sports Grass Lake System, Excellent Hunting Barn, Excellent Hunting Carp Creek, Food Plots, Hunting Blinds Excellent Hunting
$375,000 $400,000 $150,000 $225,000 $399,000 $99,000 $69,300 $90,000
www. WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2017 85
PINE LAKE PROPERTY - PRICE REDUCED!!
Offices Serving Lower &
Upper Michigan
$70,000.00 DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Bringing people and places together since 1945
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!
statewiderealestate.net
Houghton
Marquette
Newberry
Curtis
Iron Mountain Manistique
Escanaba
Gladstone Parcels C & D on survey are 11.81 wooded acres on a private spring fed lake in
Onaway
Powers Hawks
Hillman
Mecosta County. This is a hunter's and fisherman's paradise complete with 705
Menominee Alpena
Marinette
Atlanta
feet of lake frontage. The Southwest corner of the property is 80 feet above lake
Mio Harrisville level and gently slopes downward to an expanding vista of lake frontage. All
lake front property surrounding this lake is owned by five individual owners.
Skidway Lake
There is privacy galore! But, if you prefer more action, Chippewa Lake, an all
sports lake, is only one mile away. There is a well on the property (condition
Almont unknown). Motivated seller! SEV is over $65,000.00 This land would make an
Linden excellent hunter's retreat, fisherman's camp or a campground. It has to be seen
Howell to be appreciated.
For more information call
734-325-3103 or 989-463-2975
Contact Your Nearest State Wide Real
Estate Office To Buy or Sell In Michigan Thomas B. Camp Alma, MI 48801
ALPENA HILLMAN MARQUETTE
1100 W. Chisholm, 49707 14938 State Street, P.O. Box 98, 49746 856 W. Washington, 49855
ALL SPORTS FOREST LAKE!! AN ACRE OF PROPERTY!! MOVE-IN READY!! LK OGEMAW WATERFRONT!! SPECTACULAR VIEWS!!!
Nice 2-bdrm, full walkout bsmt, 178 sandy frontage. Sharp 4-bdrm w/lots of updates!! FP, appliances, family 3-bdrm home on 1.54 ACRES w/full bsmt, heated 2-bdrm, level lot, 90 frontage, sandy beach, boat dock, 3-bdrm & 100 feet of sandy frnt on all sports Loon Lake.
Open floor plan, deck, appliances, AC and garage!! room, master suite, part bsmt, deck, garage, fenced area sunroom, custom blinds, AC, heated garage, shed w/ some furnishings, deck, porch & 2 garages!! Covered deck, fantastic views, garage w/elec!!
& more!! elec & more!!
$160,000 1811285 $83,000 1823342 $114,950 1827732 $169,900 1825235 $179,900 1818975
WELL-MAINTAINED!! GETAWAY COTTAGE!! NICE YEAR ROUND HOME!! VIEWS OF WEST LONDO LAKE!! VICTORIAN HOME!!
2-bdrm on large lot. Natl gas heat, family room deck & 1+ ACRES w/2-bdrm with FP, knotty pine, deck & 1300+ sq ft, open floor plan, 3-bdrm, 2 full bath, deck, Cozy home on 3 lots w/sunroom, wood floors, newer well Well-maintained, spacious 4-bdnn, 2 ba home, garage,
more. Year round or getaway near lakes& State lands. pond. Near State land, Clear Lk & you can walk to Elni garage & 1.1 ACRES! Newer roof and windows in 2015. & roof, heated garage and nice rear deck!! wood floors, appliances & near shopping & restaurants!!
Lake!!
$37,500 1828738 $49,900 1827648 $57,900 1825811 $65,000 1818008 $59,900 1827677
ACROSS FROM LAKE!! FANTASTIC LOCATION!! BEAUTIFUL VIEW ALL AROUND!! 40 ACRE HORSE FARM!! SECLUDED HUNTING CABIN!!!
Cute 2-bdrm across from no wake Frost Lake w/garage 3-bdrm, 2 ba home & 21+ WOODED ACRES! There are 13 ACRES surrounds this 3-bdrm, 2 ba home, rear deck, Gorgeous prop, riding arena, horse stalls, tack room, 2-bdrm cabin, 18 ACRES ADJACENT TO STATE LAND!!
& shed. Mostly furnished, great views and excellent lo- trails thru-out prop & home has lots of great amenities!! covered porch & blktop drive!! heated outbldg, 2-bdrm home, finished basement & Appliances, wood heat & propane lights. Perfect rustic
cation!! more!! camp!!
$89,000 1820195 $142,900 1827185 $116,000 1799930 $250,000 1827987 $64,900 1805656
SEMI-SECLUDED!! WELL-MAINTAINED!! 30+ ACRES!! ACROSS FROM HURON 240 FEET ON EVERETT LAKE!!
Cute year round or getaway on 2.47 WOODED ACRES! 4-bdrm home nestled on 30 ACRES w/detached garage. Updated 2/3-bdrm, walkout basement, hardwood floors, NATIONAL FOREST!! Spacious 4-bdrm Cape Cod style home on full basement
Two decks to enjoy the outdoors and a garage and shed Full walkout bsmt, family room, deck, porch & pond!! newer furnace, newer water heater, newer well, AC & 3-bdrm, approx ONE ACRE, fresh paint, custom cabi- AND FIVE WOODED ACRES!! Boat dock,appliances,
for more storage. ACROSS FROM STATE LAND!! much more!! nets, exterior needs TLC, getaway!! deck & porch, boat & trailer and more!!
$49,900 1829630 $174,900 1826749 $139,000 1828597 $49,900 1818838 $89,900 1829466
SOUTH DEASE LAKE!! ULTIMATE HUNTERS DREAM!! BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD!! 70+ ACRES!! CUSTOM BUILT!!
Cute 2-bdrm home on all sports 296 acre lake! 3-bdrm home needs TLC but is the perfect recreational Custom built 3-bdrm w/1170 feet of frontage on beautiful Fantastic hunting property with tons of wildlife in the Stunning 3-bdrm, 2.5 ba home, with garage. Ceramic
Large back deck, beautiful views, boat dock,fenced spot w/almost 60 ACRES, trails, blind, 2 garages & 2 pole AU GRES RIVER plus frontage on Nester Creek!! Tons area!! Nice 3-V bdrm ranch-style home that is move-in counter tops, bamboo flooring, gas FP,493 of water
yard,artesian well & more. Cozy year round or getaway!! barns, and BORDERS STATE LAND!! of great amenities,some newer appliances,AC,deck & ready with appliances, garage and mostly furnished!! frontage on Rifle River, 5.86 ACRES, deck, gazebo and
more!! many other great amenities!!
$119,000 1829341 $164,900 1829327 $285,000 1798150 $249,900 1816928 $225,000 1824110
ON CHANNEL TO ALL TRAILS THRU-OUT!! BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT!! GORGEOUS WATERFRONT!! BORDERS STATE LAND!!
SPORTS ELBOW LAKE!! 80 GORGEOUS ACRES excellent for hunting or nature Fantastic views and frontage on all sports HENDERSON This 3-bdrm home has 171 feet of frntg on all sports 2-bdrm w/lots of kitchen cabinets & pantry, partial
Nice 3-bdrm with garage, master suite, kitchen island, walking! 3-bdrm, full basement, suite, circular drive, LAKE! Spacious 4-bdrm, full walkout bsmt, large deck, 330 acre Forest Lake and full walkout bsmt, extensive basement and newer roof in 2015. Two decks for enjoy-
pantry & breakfast nook, wrap-round deck, boat dock, open floor plan, garage, wood stove, large windows & garage w/elec, shed at waters edge and boat dock!! decking, lots of windows, large driveway & also near ing the outdoors, near ORV/snowmobile trails & popular
pond and an ACRE of property!! beautiful!! State lands!! all sports Clear Lake!!
$157,000 1810533 $219,900 1826379 $179,900 1829140 $119,900 1808082 $49,900 1811769
OSCODA-$19,900, Wooded 60x255 lot to build a cottage or home in area of well-maintained properties. Walking
Lake City Area MLS# 21118625 $139,000
distance to the AuSable River and just a short drive to thousands of acres of National and State Forest. MLS#1828468
Small Hunting Cabin w/well & Electric
EAST TAWAS-$24,900, Wooded building lot in area of newer homes. The 155x371(1.33 acre) lot includes a 25 x 40 Pole Barn for lots of storage
cleared site. Natural gas and city water available. MLS#1810535 62 Acres of woods and wet lands
GREEN BUSH-$44,900, Nice square 40 acre parcel joining Federal and State land. This area has proven to hold Tractor w/equipment & a Quad included
quality bucks over the past years, QDM is practiced here. MSL#1828817
GREENBUSH-$54,900, 45 acres of hunting land off the beaten path. This rolling parcel is heavily wooded with Vogel Center Area MLS21121902 $31,000
hardwoods and evergreens. Call today. MLS#1799569 Small Rustic Cabin
WHITTEMORE-$195,000, 120 acre hunting parcel. Diverse terrain with red oak, white oak, and red pine. 11 Wooded Acres for Recreation
State land on 2 sides
Numerous areas for food plots. Deer, turkey, partridge and other game are plentiful. MLS#1778247
Located on a blacktop road
MORE PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE . . . Lake City Area MLS# 21122417 $23,900
CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
12.5 open & wooded acres
866-496-4400 Close to Lake City
TARGET REAL Private drive off blacktop road
ESTATE COMPANY
701 W. Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Office (989)362-4400 Cell (989)370-2152 North Missaukee MLS# 21123034 $118,000
info@TargetRealEstate.com Wooded and Rolling 59 Acres
www.TargetRealEstate.com Borders 1000s acres state
Mere feet to the Manistee River
Vacation Cabin North Lake Access Nugent Lake Access Remodeled Cabin 1+ Acres
1 Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 1 Bath 3 Bed 1 Bath
MLS 17006202 $11,900 MLS 17011247 $29,900 MLS 17013469 $29,900 MLS 17010565 $27,500 MLS 16042664 $42,500
115 Reed Lake 100 Townsend Lake 50 Bookings Lake 1000 Sanborn Creek 180 Baldwin River
2 Bed 2 Bath 2 Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 1 Bath 2 Bed 2 Bath 4 Bed 3 Bath
MLS 17013049 $149,900 MLS 17011764 $110,000 MLS 17009070 $74,900 MLS 17007632 $169,900 MLS 17012265 $195,000
Recreational Property
PARADISE LAKE- 50 of quiet fishing, great swimming, buildable frontage 10 ACRES- Low down land contract terms available! 10 Acre parcel close to
on Paradise Lake. Maintained road, easy access, surveyed, and located in an Federal Land. Flat and wooded, excellent as a camp or building site. MLS
area of lots of public lands for trails and hunting. MLS 17007600 $20,000 17010773 $29,900
SPRING LAKE- Property offers a great building location overlooking WOODED ACREAGE- Wooded 1.3 acre parcel. Generally flat, it is a great
Spring Lake. Low down land contract terms available. Wildlife spot for building or clearing a small space for a campsite. Borders State
viewing is included free of charge. MLS 17001029 $32,900 Land. Low down land contract terms are available. MLS 17002858 $6,900
SANBORN CREEK- 9+ acres on the Sanborn Creek, a great little trout WOODED ACREAGE- Low down land contract terms available: 5 Acres,
stream with over 800 feet of frontage on both sides. Property is wooded, great place to camp and hunt, Federal Land close by. MLS 17013382
level, buildable, on a county maintained road. Adjoins State Land. Located $17,900
in an un-zoned township. MLS 16061107 $34,900
WOODED ACREAGE- Nicely wooded 5 acre parcel close to hundreds of
BALDWIN RIVER- 5.6 Acres with 1125 Frontage on the Baldwin River! acres of State Land. Enjoy easy access from a county maintained road, just
Property is wooded with a mix of large trees. Low down land contract north of US 10. Low down land contract terms available. MLS 17010594
available. MLS 17012401 $24,900 $17,900
88 MAY 2017 WNW NEWS
Good hunting and fishing!
Sunny Cove I Have Buyers
100 Hunting
Preserve
* Subdivision
East of canal Looking For
Acres, 20-200 Acres
Saginaw Bay
*
Dyked & in The Thumb,
Farm
Isolated *
Dredge
Mostly Deer
Wetland
200+ gated acres available for yearly lease. Planned boat docks with power and
offsite boat ramp. mile canal with 2 dredged channels to the Saginaw Bay, casino
Hunters.
within 4 miles. Camp sites with power. Perfect for hunt clubs! References needed.
EMAIL DJRMVP@GMAIL.COM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
I Cant Seem To Find Them What They Want.
Please Call, Text, or Email Me
If You Can Help Me!
Lake Property Tom Kinzer
269 ft. frontage on beautiful Lake St. Helen, Roscommon County, Michi-
gan. 725 ft. South side, 640 ft. North side, has Riparian Rights, 24x36 pole
Just Land Sales
barn, heat, well, electric hot water, septic, zoned commercial, D.E.Q. ap-
proved for 135 slips, located at 940 Monroe Rd. Asking $425,000. Land 586.419.6716
contract possible.
t.kinzer@hotmail.com
Call Denis at 989-387-0504 St. Helen, Michigan
3 Bdrm, 1 bth home. 240 Acres. Built 2005. 1 Bdrm, 1 bth Bungalow. Sweet bachelor pad. 2/3 Bdrm, 2 bth home-camp. 120 Acres. 26
1200 Sq. Ft., fireplace, gar, sauna, trails. Rock. Cozy cottage, mega large garage. Stonington. Acre lake with fish. Great home too! Daggett.
$399,000 1090655 $99,000 1099358 $229,000 1095255
Gladstone
1401 Delta Ave.
(906) 825-9000
2 Bdrm, 1 bth log home/camp. Hunters
2 Bdrm, 1 bth, 22 acres. Cabin built in 2010. Hard- dream! 38 Acres. Small field. Loft. Power. Cozy 1 bdrm camp on 4.2 acres. Electricity.
wood Impoundment frtg. Great fishing. Hardwood. Bathroom. Secluded. Cornell. Outbldgs. Furnishings included. Stonington
$89,000 1094330 $108,900 1099356 $41,000 1099277
Mini
Rocker -
Recliners
Cabins
From
$
19999
Log starting at
1999
Futons
$ 99
Rustic End Tables
from
$
14999 $
39999
D A N
Mattress
DA N
Not Included
Holding Power
Retrievability Durability The Chene Anchor
201 Industrial Way, Fenton, MI 517-202-2949
or available at...
THE KNOWLEDGEABLE BOATERS A BETTER
SPORTS
CENTER
BEST CHOICE MOUSE TRAP
Visit us at www.freeway-sports.com for a complete listing of boats!
FULL SERVICE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Service Department Indoor & Outdoor Storage
(810) 629-2291 Hours: FLINT FREEWAY
SPORTS CENTER
SPORTS
3241 Thompson Rd. Mon.-Fri. 9am - 6pm EXIT 84
59
FENTON
CENTER
Sat. 9am - 5pm
PONTIAC
Fenton, MI 48430
23
w w w. f r e e w a y - s p o r t s . c o m
Closed Sunday's
96
Exit 84 on US-23 ANN ARBOR DETROIT sales@freeway-sports.com
Super Black
Eagle III
Super Black Eagle III the full redesign of our
venerable Super Black Eagle platform. With
carefully considered insights from our pro-staff
PRICE and veteran hunters, Benelli design engineers
have spent nearly 10 years in development with
REDUCTION a focus on three areas of critical importance to
the serious waterfowler: Improved ergonomics,
ON 2016 intuitive, flawless functionality and an updated
design, style and feel for the latest in modern
MODELS! waterfowling reliability thats all about the end
game: Absolute superiority in the most unfor-
giving conditions.
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday
Michi-GUN
www.michigunandtackle.com